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Australia's bold action to prohibit social platforms access for young people below 16 is sparking debate around the globe. Lawmakers, campaigners, and guardians are observing intently to see if this strategy will become a template for countries abroad.

The European Trend

In Europe, a increasing group of nations are considering comparable restrictions.

• The Danish government has announced a restriction on social media for children under fifteen, with the prime minister arguing that phones and platforms are "taking away our kids' innocence". A law could be formalized in the coming year.
• Norway is planning to introduce a access barrier of 15, citing the need to safeguard the young from the "power of the AI".
• The Irish government is developing a digital wallet to confirm the user details of social media users. Authorities have suggested that an Australian-model ban remains "an measures on the table".
• In Spain, the leader has called on the legislature to pass a bill increasing the minimum age for using social media to 16.
• In The French government, the president has threatened a ban for under-15s, and a legislative committee has endorsed a similar action, alongside an overnight "screen time restriction" for adolescents.
• The authorities in the Netherlands has recommended guardians to block their kids from social media up to the age of 15.

Across the European Union, the European parliament has passed a non-binding motion calling for a ban for minors except if a parent decides otherwise is granted. Even though it cautions of the "addictive" nature of these services, the step does not enact mandatory rules.

"A strong age limit is a good first step," stated a leading MEP supporting the initiative.

The United Kingdom: A Watchful Eye

For the United Kingdom, the government has remained open to a potential ban, emphasizing that "nothing is discarded" but maintaining any policy must be "based on robust research".

Earlier, support built behind a bill to enact controls on social media use by teenagers, but it was ultimately modified. Nonetheless, the administration pledged to further research the matter.

Charities have raised warnings. An organization established by the relatives of a young person who died after encountering harmful online content suggests that a strict age ban may not protect children and could lead to a "sudden drop-off" of exposure when teens turn 16.

"This ban is a response to the refusal of the social media companies to build products and services that are secure and suitable for young users," commented a prominent child protection advocate.

America: A Decentralized Landscape

Stateside, action is largely happening at the state government level against a backdrop of national gridlock.

• Utah demands adult approval for minors to use social media and controls nighttime use.
• The state of Florida has signed a bill prohibiting under-14s from creating accounts on social media, though it faces court battles.
• The state of Virginia has passed a rule limiting under-16s to a single hour of social media access per day, with extra access dependent on adult consent.
• The state of Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and Louisiana have likewise introduced bills demanding adult authorization for minors to set up social media presences.

Even with bipartisan support and proposals from various politicians to follow Australia's example, a US-wide ban is currently seen as improbable.

International Views

Beyond the West, further nations are similarly considering moves.

• Malaysia aims to ban social media for under-16s beginning next year.
• Brazil has lifted the minimum age for Instagram to 16.

Yet, international organizations take a more measured position. A major UN agency has advised that age-based restrictions have downsides and "may even prove counterproductive". The organization points out that the internet can be a "vital connection" for vulnerable children and that bans should not be a "substitute" for platform operators to prioritize safety.

While this global debate evolves, the actions of Australia and its followers indicate that states around the world are less and less prepared to stand by for the industry to make changes on their own.