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The Australian controversial policy to ban social media access for those under 16 is sending ripples internationally. Politicians, child protection groups, and parents are watching with great interest to see if this tactic will inspire imitation for other nations.

European Trend

Throughout Europe, a increasing group of countries are considering parallel restrictions.

• Denmark plans a ban on social media for youth below 15, with the prime minister arguing that smartphones and networks are "robbing our kids' innocence". The policy could be passed in the coming year.
• The Norwegian government is preparing to implement a minimum age limit of 15, citing the need to safeguard young people from the "manipulative force of the AI".
• Ireland is introducing a online verification tool to verify the age and identity of social media account holders. Authorities have indicated that an Australian-model ban could be "one of the tools under consideration".
• In Spain, the president has urged parliament to enact a law lifting the minimum age for accessing social media to 16.
• In France, the head of state has floated the idea of a ban for under-15s, and a parliamentary commission has endorsed a related move, including an overnight "internet blackout" for older teenagers.
• The government in The Dutch government has urged families to restrict their kids from social media before 15.

Across the European Union, the European parliament has passed a non-binding resolution supporting a ban for minors without parental consent is given. Although it highlights of the "addictive" nature of these platforms, the resolution does not establish binding law.

"A clear age barrier is a solid starting point," said the MEP driving the measure.

The United Kingdom: An Evidence-Based Eye

For the United Kingdom, the leadership has kept open a possible ban, emphasizing that "nothing is being dismissed" but insisting any policy must be "supported by conclusive data".

Previously, support gathered behind a bill to enact limits on social media use by teenagers, but it was ultimately watered down. Nonetheless, the government pledged to further research the issue.

Advocacy groups have expressed warnings. An organization established by the loved ones of a young person who died after encountering disturbing social media material argues that a blanket age ban could fail to protect children and could create a "dangerous transition" of risk when young people turn 16.

"This ban is a response to the failure of the social media companies to build platforms and apps that are secure and suitable for young users," said a leading peer.

America: A Fragmented Picture

Across America, legislation is mostly occurring at the local government level due to federal gridlock.

• Utah mandates parental consent for minors to use social media and limits overnight use.
• Florida has signed a law banning under-14s from accessing social media, though it is subject to court battles.
• Virginia has enacted a rule capping under-16s to 60 minutes of social media access per day, with extra access needing adult consent.
• Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have similarly introduced measures demanding adult authorization for teenagers to set up social media accounts.

Despite bipartisan support and suggestions from certain politicians to follow the Australian path, a federal ban is presently seen as a distant prospect.

Global Outlook

Apart from these regions, further nations are likewise considering moves.

• Malaysia intends to prohibit social media for teenagers effective next year.
• Brazil has lifted the required age for Instagram to 16.

However, world agencies adopt a more cautious stance. The UN children's agency has warned that age-based restrictions carry risks and "could prove counterproductive". The organization notes that the internet can be a "lifeline" for marginalized young people and that bans should not be a "excuse" for social media firms to prioritize child safeguards.

While this worldwide discussion unfolds, the steps of this nation and its followers demonstrate that states internationally are increasingly content to stand by for platforms to act voluntarily.