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The Australian controversial policy to prohibit social media access for those under 16 is sparking debate worldwide. Politicians, campaigners, and guardians are watching intently to see if this tactic will inspire imitation for the rest of the world.

The European Momentum

Across Europe, a growing number of states are considering similar bans.

• Denmark plans a prohibition on social media for children under fifteen, with the prime minister stating that mobile devices and apps are "robbing our kids' innocence". The policy is expected to be passed next year.
• Norway is preparing to implement a minimum age limit of 15, highlighting the need to shield young people from the "manipulative force of the algorithms".
• Ireland is introducing a digital ID system to confirm the user details of social media participants. The media minister have indicated that an Australia-style ban is "an options in reserve".
• In Spain, the prime minister has urged the legislature to enact a law lifting the minimum age for using social media to 16.
• In The French government, the head of state has threatened a ban for children below 15, and a legislative committee has suggested a comparable move, potentially involving an overnight "internet blackout" for adolescents.
• The government in The Netherlands has recommended families to restrict their youngsters from social media until 15.

Across the European Union, the European parliament has approved a symbolic resolution supporting a ban for under-16s except if parental consent is provided. Even though it cautions of the "addictive" quality of these apps, the step does not create mandatory rules.

"An effective age restriction is a good foundation," stated one European lawmaker driving the initiative.

The UK: An Evidence-Based Eye

Across Britain, the administration has kept open a possible ban, emphasizing that "no measure is off the table" but insisting any decision must be "grounded in strong research".

Last year, support grew behind a bill to enact controls on social media use by under-16s, but it was eventually modified. Nonetheless, the government committed to investigate the matter.

Campaign organizations have expressed apprehensions. One foundation set up by the family of a young person who was lost after encountering harmful platform posts argues that a blanket age ban may not protect children and could result in a "sudden drop-off" of exposure when teens reach the legal age.

"The Australian ban is a answer to the failure of the Silicon Valley to design platforms and apps that are appropriate and fit for minors," stated a prominent online safety campaigner.

America: A Decentralized Picture

Across America, legislation is largely happening at the state level amid federal stalemate.

• Utah demands parental consent for minors to use social media and controls nighttime use.
• The state of Florida has passed a law banning under-14s from joining social media, though it faces legal challenges.
• Virginia has approved a rule restricting minors to 60 minutes of social media time per day, with extra time needing parental permission.
• Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and Louisiana have likewise passed laws mandating adult authorization for teenagers to create social media accounts.

Even with bipartisan support and proposals from certain individuals to mimic the Australian path, a nationwide ban is right now seen as unlikely.

Worldwide Perspectives

Apart from these regions, additional nations are also considering moves.

• Malaysia intends to restrict social media for teenagers starting from next year.
• Brazil has increased the minimum age for the platform Instagram to 16.

But, global bodies adopt a more cautious tone. Unicef has cautioned that age-based restrictions pose dangers and "could prove counterproductive". The agency notes that the internet can be a "critical link" for vulnerable youth and that government action should not be a "replacement" for tech companies to invest in user protection.

As this worldwide debate continues, the actions of the Australian government and others show that policymakers around the world are increasingly content to stand by for platforms to make changes on their own.