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Australia's decisive action to prohibit social platforms access for young people below 16 is sparking debate around the globe. Lawmakers, safety advocates, and families are observing with great interest to see if this strategy will become a template for the rest of the world.

European Movement

Throughout Europe, a growing chorus of countries are exploring similar measures.

• Denmark has announced a restriction on social media for children under fifteen, with the prime minister stating that smartphones and networks are "taking away our kids' childhood". The policy could be enacted next year.
• The Norwegian government is set to implement a access barrier of 15, pointing to the need to protect the young from the "manipulative force of the algorithms".
• Ireland is developing a digital ID system to authenticate the identity and age of social media account holders. Authorities have indicated that an Australia-style ban is "one of the options under consideration".
• In The Spanish government, the prime minister has urged lawmakers to pass a proposal increasing the access age for accessing social media to 16.
• In The French government, the head of state has proposed a ban for under-15s, and a legislative committee has recommended a comparable step, including an overnight "digital curfew" for 15- to 18-year-olds.
• The authorities in The Netherlands has advised parents to block their kids from social media until 15.

Across the European Union, the bloc's legislature has approved a symbolic motion calling for a ban for teenagers under 16 except if parental consent is provided. Although it warns of the "addictive" design of these platforms, the resolution does not establish enforceable legislation.

"A clear age limit is a good first step," said the MEP driving the initiative.

Britain: An Evidence-Based Approach

For the United Kingdom, the administration has remained open to a future ban, stating that "no measure is off the table" but stressing any decision must be "grounded in robust data".

Last year, momentum built behind a bill to enact restrictions on social media use by under-16s, but it was eventually modified. Nonetheless, the administration pledged to further research the issue.

Charities have voiced apprehensions. A prominent charity established by the loved ones of a teenager who died after encountering dangerous platform posts argues that a strict age ban could fail to make platforms safer and could result in a "sudden drop-off" of exposure when users reach the legal age.

"Australia's ban is a answer to the refusal of the social media companies to build platforms and apps that are safe and suitable for children," commented a prominent child protection advocate.

America: A Fragmented Approach

In the United States, action is largely happening at the regional level against a backdrop of national stalemate.

• Utah requires adult approval for minors to use social media and restricts late-night use.
• Florida has passed a bill prohibiting under-14s from creating accounts on social media, though it is subject to constitutional disputes.
• The state of Virginia has passed a law limiting under-16s to one hour of social media access per day, with additional use needing parental permission.
• The state of Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have likewise introduced bills requiring parental consent for minors to set up social media accounts.

Despite widespread concern and calls from certain figures to follow the Australian path, a nationwide ban is right now seen as improbable.

International Outlook

Beyond these regions, additional nations are likewise considering moves.

• Malaysia intends to restrict social media for those under sixteen effective next year.
• The Brazilian authorities has raised the access age for one major platform to 16.

Yet, world organizations strike a more nuanced tone. Unicef has cautioned that age-based restrictions pose dangers and "could have unintended consequences". The agency highlights that the internet can be a "critical link" for vulnerable children and that bans should not be a "replacement" for tech companies to invest in safety.

While this international conversation evolves, the steps of Australia and several other countries show that governments internationally are no longer prepared to delay for platforms to make changes on their own.