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The Australian bold move to ban social platforms access for those under 16 is sparking debate worldwide. Politicians, campaigners, and parents are monitoring intently to see if this strategy will set a precedent for other nations.

Across Europe Movement

In Europe, a rising chorus of countries are considering similar bans.

• The Danish government plans a restriction on social media for youth below 15, with the leader declaring that smartphones and apps are "taking away our kids' childhood". The policy is expected to be passed in the coming year.
• Norway is planning to implement a access barrier of 15, highlighting the need to protect the young from the "power of the recommendation systems".
• Ireland is developing a digital ID system to authenticate the age and identity of social media account holders. Officials have stated that an Australia-style ban could be "a potential tools in reserve".
• In Spain, the president has urged lawmakers to enact a bill lifting the access age for accessing social media to 16.
• In France, the leader has threatened a ban for children below 15, and a government panel has endorsed a comparable action, alongside an overnight "internet blackout" for 15- to 18-year-olds.
• The government in the Netherlands has urged families to prevent their children from social media before 15.

At the EU level, the European parliament has passed a advisory statement demanding a ban for minors without guardian approval is provided. Although it warns of the "addictive" design of these services, the resolution does not create binding law.

"An effective age limit is a solid foundation," commented a leading parliamentarian supporting the resolution.

The United Kingdom: A Cautious Approach

In the UK, the administration has not ruled out a possible ban, stating that "no measure is being dismissed" but insisting any decision must be "grounded in strong research".

Previously, momentum gathered behind a legislative effort to enact restrictions on social media use by under-16s, but it was in the end modified. Nonetheless, the government pledged to investigate the matter.

Campaign organizations have raised warnings. An organization founded by the relatives of a young person who died after encountering dangerous social media material contends that a strict age ban could fail to improve online safety and could create a "dangerous transition" of exposure when users reach the legal age.

"This ban is a response to the failure of the social media companies to design tools that are secure and fit for minors," said a influential online safety campaigner.

America: A State-by-State Picture

Across America, legislation is mostly happening at the local level amid country-wide stalemate.

• Utah mandates parental consent for under-18s to use social media and restricts late-night use.
• Florida has enacted a law barring under-14s from joining social media, though it is entangled in court battles.
• Virginia has enacted a law capping under-16s to 60 minutes of social media time per day, with extra time dependent on a guardian's okay.
• Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and Louisiana have likewise introduced bills requiring parental consent for minors to set up social media presences.

Even with widespread concern and suggestions from certain individuals to mimic this lead, a US-wide ban is right now seen as improbable.

Global Views

Beyond these regions, other states are also taking action.

• The Malaysian government plans to prohibit social media for teenagers beginning next year.
• Brazil has raised the minimum age for one major platform to 16.

But, global agencies adopt a more nuanced stance. A major UN agency has warned that age-based restrictions carry risks and "could prove counterproductive". The agency highlights that online platforms can be a "vital connection" for isolated young people and that regulation should not be a "substitute" for social media firms to invest in user protection.

As this international debate unfolds, the steps of Australia and others indicate that policymakers around the world are less and less willing to wait for the industry to self-regulate.