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The Australian decisive policy to restrict social platforms access for individuals under sixteen is sparking debate around the globe. Lawmakers, safety advocates, and guardians are observing intently to see if this tactic will become a template for countries abroad.

Across Europe Movement

Across Europe, a increasing chorus of countries are moving toward parallel bans.

• Denmark has stated a ban on social media for under-15s, with the prime minister stating that phones and networks are "stealing our children's childhood". The policy is expected to be formalized soon.
• Norway is planning to implement a age restriction of 15, pointing to the need to safeguard children from the "power of the algorithms".
• The Irish government is working on a digital ID system to verify the identity and age of social media participants. Authorities have stated that an similar ban is "a potential options under consideration".
• In Spain, the prime minister has asked lawmakers to pass a proposal increasing the access age for accessing social media to 16.
• In France, the head of state has proposed a ban for those under fifteen, and a government panel has recommended a similar step, alongside an overnight "digital curfew" for 15- to 18-year-olds.
• The government in the Netherlands has advised parents to prevent their kids from social media up to the age of 15.

Across the European Union, the European parliament has approved a symbolic motion supporting a ban for teenagers under 16 without guardian approval is provided. Even though it warns of the "habit-forming" design of these services, the move does not create enforceable legislation.

"A clear age limit is a useful first step," said the parliamentarian behind the initiative.

Britain: An Evidence-Based Approach

In the UK, the administration has kept open a future ban, emphasizing that "nothing is being dismissed" but maintaining any policy must be "based on strong evidence".

Last year, support grew behind a bill to enact restrictions on social media use by minors, but it was in the end weakened. Nonetheless, the administration committed to conduct more studies the topic.

Advocacy groups have raised warnings. One foundation founded by the relatives of a girl who was lost after viewing dangerous online content contends that a strict age ban could fail to protect children and could lead to a "dangerous transition" of risk when users reach the legal age.

"This ban is a reaction to the inability of the Silicon Valley to create tools that are appropriate and age appropriate for young users," commented a influential child protection advocate.

The United States: A Decentralized Approach

In the United States, action is primarily unfolding at the state level due to federal inaction.

• Utah demands parental consent for minors to use social media and controls late-night use.
• Florida has passed a measure banning those below 14 from creating accounts on social media, though it is entangled in court battles.
• Virginia has passed a rule limiting teenagers to a single hour of social media time per day, with additional access needing a guardian's okay.
• Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and Louisiana have also introduced bills requiring parental consent for under-16s to set up social media accounts.

Despite bipartisan support and proposals from some politicians to follow the Australian lead, a nationwide ban is right now seen as a distant prospect.

Worldwide Perspectives

Apart from these regions, other nations are similarly exploring options.

• Malaysia plans to prohibit social media for teenagers beginning next year.
• The Brazilian authorities has raised the access age for Instagram to 16.

However, global agencies adopt a more measured stance. The UN children's agency has advised that age-based restrictions pose dangers and "may even backfire". The body notes that social networks can be a "lifeline" for marginalized children and that regulation should not be a "excuse" for tech companies to improve child safeguards.

As this global debate evolves, the steps of Australia and several other countries demonstrate that states globally are less and less prepared to stand by for platforms to self-regulate.