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The Australian bold move to prohibit social platforms access for those under 16 is sparking debate around the globe. Lawmakers, campaigners, and guardians are observing with great interest to see if this strategy will become a template for countries abroad.

European Momentum

Throughout Europe, a rising chorus of nations are moving toward similar restrictions.

• The Danish government has stated a restriction on social media for youth below 15, with the leader arguing that phones and networks are "stealing our youngsters' innocence". Legislation is expected to be enacted next year.
• Norway is planning to implement a access barrier of 15, highlighting the need to safeguard young people from the "power of the recommendation systems".
• Ireland is working on a online verification tool to verify the user details of social media participants. Authorities have suggested that an Australia-style ban is "an tools under consideration".
• In Spain, the leader has urged the legislature to pass a law increasing the access age for accessing social media to 16.
• In The French government, the head of state has proposed a ban for children below 15, and a legislative committee has suggested a similar move, alongside an overnight "internet blackout" for 15- to 18-year-olds.
• The government in The Dutch government has urged guardians to block their kids from social media up to the age of 15.

For the broader EU, the European parliament has approved a non-binding resolution demanding a ban for under-16s except if a parent decides otherwise is provided. While it warns of the "addictive" quality of these apps, the move does not enact enforceable legislation.

"A clear age limit is a useful starting point," said a leading parliamentarian supporting the resolution.

The UK: A Cautious Approach

For the United Kingdom, the leadership has kept open a future ban, arguing that "no option is off the table" but insisting any policy must be "supported by robust evidence".

Last year, momentum gathered behind a legislative effort to impose controls on social media use by minors, but it was in the end weakened. However, the administration vowed to conduct more studies the matter.

Campaign organizations have raised warnings. An organization founded by the loved ones of a teenager who took her own life after viewing dangerous online content suggests that a blanket age ban might not protect children and could create a "sudden drop-off" of risk when young people turn 16.

"This ban is a reaction to the refusal of the Silicon Valley to build products and services that are appropriate and age appropriate for young users," commented a prominent child protection advocate.

The US: A State-by-State Picture

Across America, legislation is mostly unfolding at the state level due to national gridlock.

• The state of Utah mandates adult approval for under-18s to use social media and controls late-night use.
• Florida has signed a law banning under-14s from creating accounts on social media, though it is entangled in court battles.
• The state of Virginia has enacted a rule capping minors to 60 minutes of social media time per day, with additional time requiring parental permission.
• The state of Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and Louisiana have also passed laws demanding guardian approval for teenagers to set up social media accounts.

Despite cross-party agreement and proposals from certain individuals to follow this path, a federal ban is currently seen as improbable.

International Perspectives

Beyond Europe and the US, additional nations are also considering moves.

• Malaysia plans to restrict social media for those under sixteen starting from next year.
• Brazil has lifted the required age for one major platform to 16.

But, international bodies strike a more measured stance. Unicef has cautioned that blanket prohibitions have downsides and "could prove counterproductive". The organization points out that social networks can be a "lifeline" for vulnerable youth and that government action should not be a "replacement" for tech companies to improve safety.

Even as this global conversation evolves, the actions of the Australian government and its followers indicate that policymakers globally are less and less willing to stand by for platforms to self-regulate.