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

Across Europe Momentum

Throughout Europe, a increasing chorus of states are considering similar measures.

• Denmark has stated a prohibition on social media for under-15s, with the leader arguing that smartphones and platforms are "robbing our children's youth". The policy is expected to be formalized soon.
• Norway is planning to introduce a minimum age limit of 15, pointing to the need to shield children from the "power of the recommendation systems".
• The Irish government is working on a digital wallet to authenticate the identity and age of social media account holders. The media minister have indicated that an similar ban is "a potential tools under consideration".
• In Spain, the president has urged parliament to pass a law lifting the access age for using social media to 16.
• In France, the head of state has threatened a ban for under-15s, and a government panel has endorsed a comparable move, including an overnight "internet blackout" for 15- to 18-year-olds.
• The government in The Dutch government has recommended guardians to restrict their kids from social media up to the age of 15.

At the EU level, the bloc's legislature has adopted a advisory statement demanding a ban for minors without a parent decides otherwise is provided. While it highlights of the "compulsive" quality of these platforms, the resolution does not establish enforceable legislation.

"An effective age restriction is a useful first step," stated a leading MEP driving the measure.

The United Kingdom: A Cautious Eye

For the United Kingdom, the government has kept open a future ban, stating that "no measure is discarded" but insisting any policy must be "grounded in strong research".

Previously, momentum built behind a legislative effort to enact restrictions on social media use by minors, but it was in the end modified. Nonetheless, the administration committed to investigate the matter.

Campaign organizations have voiced apprehensions. An organization set up by the family of a young person who was lost after being exposed to disturbing social media material contends that a simple age ban could fail to improve online safety and could lead to a "sudden drop-off" of exposure when users become eligible.

"The Australian ban is a response to the inability of the tech sector to create platforms and apps that are secure and suitable for minors," stated a leading peer.

The United States: A State-by-State Approach

Across America, regulation is largely unfolding at the regional government level due to country-wide inaction.

• The state of Utah mandates adult approval for those under 18 to use social media and restricts nighttime use.
• Florida has enacted a measure banning children under fourteen from joining social media, though it faces constitutional disputes.
• The state of Virginia has passed a rule restricting minors to a single hour of social media use per day, with any further access requiring adult consent.
• Georgia, Tennessee, and The state of Louisiana have similarly passed bills requiring parental consent for minors to open social media profiles.

Even with bipartisan support and proposals from some politicians to follow the Australian path, a federal ban is right now seen as improbable.

International Views

Apart from these regions, additional countries are also exploring options.

• Malaysia aims to restrict social media for those under sixteen effective next year.
• Brazil has increased the required age for one major platform to 16.

However, global bodies take a more nuanced tone. Unicef has warned that social media bans pose dangers and "could backfire". The organization points out that the internet can be a "critical link" for isolated young people and that bans should not be a "replacement" for platform operators to prioritize user protection.

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