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Australia's decisive action to ban social media access for individuals under sixteen is sparking debate internationally. Lawmakers, child protection groups, and guardians are watching intently to see if this strategy will set a precedent for other nations.

Across Europe Movement

In Europe, a increasing chorus of nations are moving toward similar measures.

• The Danish government has stated a prohibition on social media for youth below 15, with the prime minister arguing that smartphones and platforms are "stealing our youngsters' youth". A law could be formalized next year.
• Norway is planning to introduce a minimum age limit of 15, highlighting the need to safeguard children from the "influence of the algorithms".
• The Irish government is working on a digital wallet to authenticate the identity and age of social media account holders. The media minister have indicated that an Australian-model ban is "a potential measures under consideration".
• In Spain, the prime minister has called on the legislature to pass a bill lifting the minimum age for using social media to 16.
• In The French government, the president has floated the idea of a ban for under-15s, and a government panel has suggested a related move, including an overnight "internet blackout" for 15- to 18-year-olds.
• The government in The Dutch government has recommended parents to prevent their youngsters from social media up to the age of 15.

At the EU level, the European parliament has passed a advisory statement supporting a ban for teenagers under 16 except if a parent decides otherwise is granted. While it highlights of the "habit-forming" design of these apps, the resolution does not enact mandatory rules.

"A strong age barrier is a good first step," said a leading European lawmaker driving the measure.

Britain: An Evidence-Based Stance

Across Britain, the administration has kept open a future ban, stating that "no option is off the table" but stressing any decision must be "based on conclusive research".

Previously, support grew behind a legislative effort to enact controls on social media use by minors, but it was in the end weakened. Nonetheless, the administration vowed to conduct more studies the issue.

Advocacy groups have voiced apprehensions. An organization set up by the family of a girl who took her own life after viewing dangerous online content suggests that a strict age ban could fail to improve online safety and could result in a "dangerous transition" of harm when young people become eligible.

"The Australian ban is a reaction to the refusal of the social media companies to build platforms and apps that are appropriate and age appropriate for children," said a influential peer.

America: A State-by-State Picture

Across America, action is mostly unfolding at the state government level amid country-wide stalemate.

• The state of Utah demands guardian permission for minors to use social media and limits nighttime use.
• Florida has passed a measure banning those below 14 from joining social media, though it faces legal challenges.
• Virginia has enacted a regulation capping teenagers to one hour of social media use per day, with extra use dependent on a guardian's okay.
• Georgia, Tennessee, and The state of Louisiana have likewise passed measures mandating parental consent for minors to create social media profiles.

Despite widespread concern and calls from certain figures to copy this lead, a federal ban is right now seen as unlikely.

Worldwide Outlook

Apart from the West, other countries are also exploring options.

• The Malaysian government aims to restrict social media for those under sixteen starting from next year.
• Brazil has increased the minimum age for Instagram to 16.

Yet, global organizations take a more cautious stance. The UN children's agency has warned that blanket prohibitions pose dangers and "may even prove counterproductive". The body points out that online platforms can be a "lifeline" for vulnerable young people and that regulation should not be a "replacement" for social media firms to improve user protection.

Even as this worldwide discussion unfolds, the steps of Australia and several other countries indicate that governments internationally are increasingly content to wait for the industry to act voluntarily.