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Australia's decisive move to prohibit social platforms access for young people below 16 is sparking debate around the globe. Officials, campaigners, and parents are watching intently to see if this tactic will become a template for other nations.

Across Europe Trend

Across Europe, a increasing number of countries are moving toward comparable restrictions.

• Denmark plans a ban on social media for under-15s, with the leader declaring that phones and platforms are "stealing our youngsters' childhood". The policy could be passed soon.
• Norway is preparing to implement a age restriction of 15, citing the need to protect the young from the "influence of the algorithms".
• Ireland is working on a digital wallet to confirm the age and identity of social media users. Authorities have suggested that an similar ban could be "an options in reserve".
• In The Spanish government, the prime minister has asked parliament to enact a law lifting the access age for joining social media to 16.
• In The French government, the head of state has proposed a ban for those under fifteen, and a parliamentary commission has endorsed a comparable action, potentially involving an overnight "internet blackout" for older teenagers.
• The authorities in The Dutch government has recommended families to restrict their children from social media until 15.

Across the European Union, the bloc's legislature has approved a symbolic statement calling for a ban for teenagers under 16 without guardian approval is given. Even though it warns of the "habit-forming" quality of these services, the step does not enact enforceable legislation.

"A clear age limit is a useful starting point," commented a leading MEP behind the resolution.

The UK: A Cautious Stance

For the United Kingdom, the government has remained open to a potential ban, arguing that "nothing is discarded" but maintaining any decision must be "based on robust data".

Previously, interest built behind a proposal to introduce limits on social media use by minors, but it was in the end watered down. However, the government committed to further research the matter.

Campaign organizations have expressed concerns. A prominent charity set up by the family of a teenager who took her own life after encountering dangerous online content argues that a blanket age ban could fail to improve online safety and could lead to a "cliff edge" of risk when teens reach the legal age.

"This ban is a reaction to the failure of the tech sector to design products and services that are safe and fit for children," said a prominent child protection advocate.

America: A Decentralized Landscape

Across America, regulation is primarily unfolding at the local level against a backdrop of national gridlock.

• Utah demands adult approval for those under 18 to use social media and limits nighttime use.
• Florida has enacted a law barring children under fourteen from creating accounts on social media, though it faces court battles.
• Virginia has approved a law restricting minors to a single hour of social media time per day, with additional use needing adult consent.
• Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have also enacted laws requiring parental consent for teenagers to set up social media presences.

Even with cross-party agreement and calls from various figures to copy the Australian lead, a nationwide ban is right now seen as improbable.

International Views

Apart from the West, further states are similarly taking action.

• The Malaysian government intends to ban social media for those under sixteen beginning next year.
• Brazil has raised the required age for the platform Instagram to 16.

However, global agencies adopt a more cautious tone. The UN children's agency has warned that blanket prohibitions pose dangers and "could backfire". The agency highlights that online platforms can be a "vital connection" for isolated children and that government action should not be a "substitute" for social media firms to improve safety.

While this worldwide debate continues, the policies of this nation and others show that policymakers globally are less and less content to wait for platforms to make changes on their own.