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Australia's bold action to prohibit social platforms access for young people below 16 is sparking debate internationally. Politicians, child protection groups, and families are monitoring closely to see if this tactic will set a precedent for the rest of the world.

The European Trend

Throughout Europe, a growing number of countries are exploring parallel measures.

• The Danish government plans a ban on social media for children under fifteen, with the prime minister stating that smartphones and networks are "robbing our kids' youth". Legislation may be formalized next year.
• Norway is planning to enforce a age restriction of 15, highlighting the need to shield children from the "power of the recommendation systems".
• Ireland is working on a digital wallet to verify the age and identity of social media participants. Officials have stated that an similar ban is "a potential measures under consideration".
• In Spain, the prime minister has called on the legislature to approve a bill increasing the minimum age for accessing social media to 16.
• In France, the leader has proposed a ban for under-15s, and a legislative committee has recommended a similar action, alongside an overnight "internet blackout" for 15- to 18-year-olds.
• The authorities in The Dutch government has recommended guardians to block their children from social media up to the age of 15.

At the EU level, the bloc's legislature has passed a advisory motion supporting a ban for teenagers under 16 unless parental consent is given. Although it highlights of the "addictive" quality of these platforms, the step does not create binding law.

"A clear age barrier is a solid first step," said one European lawmaker supporting the resolution.

Britain: A Watchful Stance

For the United Kingdom, the leadership has kept open a possible ban, stating that "no option is discarded" but stressing any policy must be "grounded in conclusive evidence".

Last year, momentum gathered behind a legislative effort to introduce limits on social media use by teenagers, but it was eventually modified. Nonetheless, the administration pledged to investigate the topic.

Charities have voiced concerns. An organization set up by the family of a young person who was lost after viewing harmful social media material suggests that a simple age ban might not improve online safety and could lead to a "dangerous transition" of risk when users become eligible.

"This ban is a response to the failure of the tech sector to design tools that are safe and fit for minors," stated a leading child protection advocate.

The United States: A Decentralized Approach

Across America, legislation is primarily unfolding at the local level against a backdrop of federal stalemate.

• The state of Utah demands parental consent for minors to use social media and restricts nighttime use.
• The state of Florida has enacted a law prohibiting children under fourteen from accessing social media, though it faces constitutional disputes.
• The state of Virginia has approved a regulation limiting teenagers to one hour of social media access per day, with additional access needing a guardian's okay.
• The state of Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have similarly passed bills demanding guardian approval for minors to create social media accounts.

Even with bipartisan support and calls from some figures to follow this example, a nationwide ban is presently seen as improbable.

Worldwide Views

Outside of Europe and the US, additional nations are also exploring options.

• Malaysia intends to prohibit social media for those under sixteen starting from next year.
• The Brazilian authorities has lifted the minimum age for Instagram to 16.

However, international agencies strike a more cautious stance. The UN children's agency has advised that social media bans carry risks and "may even have unintended consequences". The body points out that the internet can be a "vital connection" for isolated youth and that bans should not be a "excuse" for social media firms to improve safety.

As this global discussion continues, the policies of this nation and others show that states globally are less and less willing to delay for platforms to self-regulate.