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The Australian controversial action to ban social platforms access for individuals under sixteen is sparking debate around the globe. Lawmakers, safety advocates, and families are monitoring intently to see if this approach will inspire imitation for the rest of the world.

Across Europe Movement

In Europe, a increasing chorus of countries are moving toward similar restrictions.

• Denmark has stated a prohibition on social media for children under fifteen, with the PM declaring that phones and platforms are "taking away our kids' innocence". A law may be formalized in the coming year.
• The Norwegian government is set to enforce a minimum age limit of 15, citing the need to shield young people from the "manipulative force of the algorithms".
• Ireland is introducing a digital ID system to confirm the user details of social media users. The media minister have indicated that an Australia-style ban remains "an options on the table".
• In Spain, the prime minister has called on lawmakers to approve a law raising the minimum age for joining 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 comparable move, including an overnight "internet blackout" for 15- to 18-year-olds.
• The administration in The Dutch government has urged guardians to block their kids from social media up to the age of 15.

At the EU level, the bloc's legislature has passed a advisory resolution supporting a ban for teenagers under 16 except if parental consent is provided. Although it warns of the "addictive" nature of these apps, the resolution does not enact mandatory rules.

"An effective age barrier is a useful first step," said the parliamentarian supporting the resolution.

Britain: A Cautious Eye

For the United Kingdom, the leadership has kept open a potential ban, stating that "no measure is off the table" but stressing any decision must be "supported by robust research".

Previously, momentum built behind a bill to impose limits on social media use by under-16s, but it was in the end watered down. Nonetheless, the government pledged to conduct more studies the topic.

Campaign organizations have voiced apprehensions. One foundation set up by the relatives of a teenager who died after being exposed to harmful social media material contends that a strict age ban could fail to improve online safety and could create a "cliff edge" of harm when young people reach the legal age.

"Australia's ban is a reaction to the failure of the Silicon Valley to create platforms and apps that are safe and fit for young users," said a influential child protection advocate.

America: A Decentralized Landscape

Stateside, action is largely unfolding at the regional level due to federal inaction.

• Utah requires adult approval for those under 18 to use social media and limits late-night use.
• Florida has enacted a law prohibiting under-14s from joining social media, though it is entangled in legal challenges.
• Virginia has approved a rule restricting teenagers to a single hour of social media access per day, with extra use needing parental permission.
• Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have similarly introduced laws requiring guardian approval for teenagers to create social media profiles.

Despite cross-party agreement and suggestions from some figures to mimic the Australian lead, a nationwide ban is currently seen as unlikely.

Worldwide Views

Outside of these regions, other states are also exploring options.

• The Malaysian government intends to restrict social media for under-16s effective next year.
• Brazil has raised the access age for one major platform to 16.

However, world bodies strike a more nuanced position. The UN children's agency has warned that blanket prohibitions carry risks and "might backfire". The organization points out that online platforms can be a "critical link" for marginalized young people and that regulation should not be a "replacement" for tech companies to improve safety.

While this global conversation continues, the steps of Australia and several other countries indicate that governments internationally are increasingly willing to wait for tech companies to act voluntarily.