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The Australian controversial action to ban social media access for those under 16 is sparking debate worldwide. Politicians, safety advocates, and parents are monitoring closely to see if this tactic will set a precedent for the rest of the world.

Across Europe Trend

In Europe, a increasing chorus of nations are exploring similar restrictions.

• Denmark plans a prohibition on social media for children under fifteen, with the prime minister stating that smartphones and apps are "stealing our kids' youth". A law could be enacted soon.
• Norway is preparing to introduce a age restriction of 15, highlighting the need to shield the young from the "manipulative force of the AI".
• The Irish government is developing a online verification tool to confirm the age and identity of social media participants. Officials have stated that an similar ban could be "one of the options under consideration".
• In Spain, the prime minister has urged the legislature to approve a law raising the legal age for joining social media to 16.
• In France, the leader has threatened a ban for children below 15, and a legislative committee has endorsed a comparable step, including an overnight "digital curfew" for older teenagers.
• The government in The Dutch government has urged families to restrict their kids from social media up to the age of 15.

Across the European Union, the European parliament has adopted a symbolic resolution supporting a ban for under-16s except if a parent decides otherwise is granted. While it highlights of the "habit-forming" quality of these platforms, the move does not create mandatory rules.

"A clear age restriction is a useful first step," commented one MEP behind the measure.

Britain: An Evidence-Based Eye

For the United Kingdom, the government has not ruled out a potential ban, stating that "nothing is off the table" but insisting any decision must be "based on strong research".

Last year, support grew behind a bill to enact restrictions on social media use by teenagers, but it was ultimately watered down. However, the government committed to conduct more studies the topic.

Charities have expressed concerns. An organization established by the family of a girl who died after encountering dangerous social media material contends that a blanket age ban could fail to improve online safety and could lead to a "cliff edge" of harm when users reach the legal age.

"Australia's ban is a response to the inability of the Silicon Valley to create tools that are appropriate and fit for children," commented a prominent online safety campaigner.

The US: A Decentralized Landscape

Stateside, regulation is largely happening at the regional level amid national inaction.

• Utah demands parental consent for minors to use social media and controls late-night use.
• Florida has signed a law banning those below 14 from accessing social media, though it is subject to court battles.
• The state of Virginia has passed a regulation restricting under-16s to 60 minutes of social media time per day, with additional time requiring adult consent.
• Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have similarly enacted laws demanding parental consent for under-16s to open social media profiles.

Even with cross-party agreement and suggestions from various individuals to follow this example, a nationwide ban is currently seen as improbable.

Worldwide Perspectives

Apart from these regions, other states are also taking action.

• Malaysia plans to restrict social media for teenagers beginning next year.
• Brazil has increased the required age for one major platform to 16.

But, global organizations strike a more measured tone. The UN children's agency has cautioned that social media bans pose dangers and "could prove counterproductive". The agency points out that online platforms can be a "vital connection" for marginalized children and that regulation should not be a "replacement" for social media firms to invest in user protection.

As this global conversation unfolds, the actions of the Australian government and several other countries show that governments around the world are increasingly prepared to stand by for tech companies to self-regulate.