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The Australian controversial policy to restrict social media access for those under 16 is creating waves around the globe. Politicians, child protection groups, and families are watching closely to see if this approach will set a precedent for other nations.

Across Europe Momentum

Throughout Europe, a increasing number of nations are moving toward comparable restrictions.

• The Danish government plans a prohibition on social media for children under fifteen, with the PM stating that phones and platforms are "taking away our youngsters' youth". The policy is expected to be formalized soon.
• Norway is set to introduce a age restriction of 15, pointing to the need to protect the young from the "manipulative force of the recommendation systems".
• Ireland is introducing a online verification tool to authenticate the age and identity of social media users. The media minister have stated that an Australia-style ban is "one of the options in reserve".
• In The Spanish government, the leader has urged lawmakers to enact a bill lifting the legal age for joining social media to 16.
• In France, the leader has proposed a ban for under-15s, and a parliamentary commission has endorsed a similar action, alongside an overnight "screen time restriction" for adolescents.
• The authorities in The Dutch government has recommended parents to block their kids from social media up to the age of 15.

For the broader EU, the EU parliament has approved a non-binding statement supporting a ban for teenagers under 16 unless parental consent is provided. While it warns of the "habit-forming" nature of these platforms, the step does not enact binding law.

"A strong age limit is a solid starting point," commented a leading European lawmaker driving the initiative.

Britain: A Cautious Approach

For the United Kingdom, the leadership has remained open to a future ban, arguing that "nothing is off the table" but maintaining any action must be "based on robust research".

Earlier, support grew behind a bill to enact restrictions on social media use by under-16s, but it was in the end watered down. Nonetheless, the government pledged to conduct more studies the matter.

Charities have raised apprehensions. A prominent charity founded by the relatives of a teenager who died after viewing disturbing online content contends that a strict age ban could fail to make platforms safer and could lead to a "dangerous transition" of harm when teens turn 16.

"This ban is a reaction to the inability of the tech sector to build tools that are secure and fit for children," said a prominent child protection advocate.

America: A Fragmented Landscape

Stateside, regulation is primarily unfolding at the state level amid federal inaction.

• Utah requires parental consent for those under 18 to use social media and limits late-night use.
• Florida has passed a law prohibiting those below 14 from accessing social media, though it is entangled in constitutional disputes.
• The state of Virginia has enacted a regulation restricting minors to one hour of social media time per day, with extra time needing adult consent.
• Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and Louisiana have also passed bills requiring guardian approval for minors to create social media profiles.

Despite cross-party agreement and calls from certain politicians to copy this lead, a federal ban is right now seen as improbable.

Global Views

Beyond the West, other countries are similarly taking action.

• Malaysia aims to ban social media for under-16s effective next year.
• The Brazilian authorities has increased the minimum age for Instagram to 16.

Yet, global agencies strike a more nuanced stance. A major UN agency has advised that blanket prohibitions pose dangers and "could have unintended consequences". The body highlights that online platforms can be a "lifeline" for vulnerable youth and that bans should not be a "replacement" for social media firms to invest in safety.

While this worldwide debate evolves, the actions of Australia and several other countries demonstrate that policymakers internationally are less and less prepared to stand by for tech companies to self-regulate.