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Australia's controversial policy to ban social media access for individuals under sixteen is creating waves worldwide. Lawmakers, child protection groups, and families are monitoring closely to see if this strategy will become a template for the rest of the world.

The European Movement

Across Europe, a growing chorus of nations are moving toward comparable measures.

• Denmark plans a prohibition on social media for children under fifteen, with the leader arguing that phones and apps are "stealing our kids' childhood". A law is expected to be enacted in the coming year.
• Norway is set to enforce a access barrier of 15, citing the need to protect children from the "manipulative force of the recommendation systems".
• The Irish government is introducing a digital wallet to confirm the age and identity of social media account holders. The media minister have indicated that an Australian-model ban is "an measures on the table".
• In The Spanish government, the president has urged parliament to pass a proposal lifting the access age for accessing social media to 16.
• In France, the leader has threatened a ban for under-15s, and a legislative committee has recommended a comparable move, potentially involving an overnight "internet blackout" for adolescents.
• The authorities in The Netherlands has recommended families to prevent their kids from social media until 15.

Across the European Union, the EU parliament has approved a advisory motion demanding a ban for teenagers under 16 without guardian approval is granted. Even though it highlights of the "addictive" quality of these platforms, the step does not enact mandatory rules.

"A strong age limit is a useful foundation," commented the MEP driving the resolution.

Britain: A Watchful Eye

For the United Kingdom, the government has remained open to a potential ban, stating that "no measure is discarded" but stressing any decision must be "supported by strong data".

Previously, interest grew behind a legislative effort to introduce restrictions on social media use by minors, but it was ultimately weakened. However, the government pledged to investigate the issue.

Charities have voiced warnings. One foundation founded by the family of a young person who took her own life after encountering disturbing online content suggests that a strict age ban may not protect children and could result in a "sudden drop-off" of harm when young people reach the legal age.

"This ban is a reaction to the failure of the tech sector to design platforms and apps that are safe and fit for minors," stated a leading peer.

The US: A Fragmented Landscape

Across America, action is primarily unfolding at the local government level due to national stalemate.

• Utah mandates adult approval for minors to use social media and restricts overnight use.
• The state of Florida has enacted a bill prohibiting those below 14 from creating accounts on social media, though it is subject to constitutional disputes.
• The state of Virginia has enacted a regulation limiting minors to a single hour of social media time per day, with extra access dependent on adult consent.
• Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have also enacted measures mandating parental consent for teenagers to open social media accounts.

Even with widespread concern and calls from various individuals to copy the Australian example, a US-wide ban is presently seen as a distant prospect.

Worldwide Outlook

Beyond these regions, other countries are similarly exploring options.

• The Malaysian government aims to ban social media for teenagers starting from next year.
• The Brazilian authorities has increased the access age for Instagram to 16.

However, international organizations adopt a more cautious position. A major UN agency has warned that blanket prohibitions have downsides and "might prove counterproductive". The body notes that social networks can be a "critical link" for isolated youth and that bans should not be a "excuse" for social media firms to invest in user protection.

As this international conversation evolves, the policies of this nation and its followers indicate that governments around the world are increasingly prepared to delay for platforms to self-regulate.