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Australia's decisive move to restrict social platforms access for individuals under sixteen is sparking debate around the globe. Politicians, campaigners, and parents are watching intently to see if this strategy will set a precedent for other nations.

The European Trend

Throughout Europe, a increasing group of states are considering parallel restrictions.

• Denmark has stated a prohibition on social media for children under fifteen, with the PM stating that phones and apps are "robbing our children's youth". A law is expected to be passed next year.
• Norway is preparing to implement a minimum age limit of 15, highlighting the need to safeguard children from the "influence of the algorithms".
• Ireland is introducing a online verification tool to verify the identity and age of social media participants. Authorities have indicated that an Australian-model ban could be "a potential options under consideration".
• In Spain, the president has called on lawmakers to pass a bill raising the minimum age for using social media to 16.
• In The French government, the president has proposed a ban for those under fifteen, and a parliamentary commission has recommended a comparable step, alongside an overnight "internet blackout" for adolescents.
• The government in The Dutch government has urged parents to prevent their children from social media until 15.

Across the European Union, the bloc's legislature has approved a advisory motion demanding a ban for teenagers under 16 unless guardian approval is provided. Even though it highlights of the "compulsive" nature of these apps, the move does not enact mandatory rules.

"An effective age restriction is a useful foundation," stated one European lawmaker behind the measure.

The UK: A Cautious Eye

In the UK, the government has remained open to a future ban, arguing that "nothing is being dismissed" but insisting any policy must be "grounded in robust data".

Last year, interest built behind a legislative effort to enact restrictions on social media use by minors, but it was ultimately modified. Instead, the government committed to conduct more studies the issue.

Advocacy groups have voiced concerns. One foundation established by the family of a teenager who died after encountering disturbing platform posts contends that a simple age ban might not improve online safety and could lead to a "cliff edge" of risk when teens turn 16.

"This ban is a answer to the inability of the tech sector to build platforms and apps that are secure and age appropriate for children," said a leading online safety campaigner.

America: A Fragmented Picture

Across America, legislation is primarily unfolding at the local level amid national gridlock.

• Utah demands adult approval for under-18s to use social media and controls overnight use.
• Florida has enacted a bill prohibiting under-14s from creating accounts on social media, though it faces constitutional disputes.
• Virginia has passed a regulation capping teenagers to 60 minutes of social media time per day, with any further access dependent on parental permission.
• The state of Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have likewise enacted measures mandating guardian approval for under-16s to set up social media profiles.

Despite widespread concern and proposals from certain individuals to mimic this path, a nationwide ban is presently seen as unlikely.

Global Views

Beyond the West, additional countries are also taking action.

• Malaysia plans to ban social media for those under sixteen effective next year.
• The Brazilian authorities has increased the minimum age for Instagram to 16.

But, world bodies adopt a more cautious tone. Unicef has warned that social media bans have downsides and "might have unintended consequences". The organization notes that online platforms can be a "lifeline" for marginalized young people and that government action should not be a "excuse" for tech companies to prioritize user protection.

As this global conversation evolves, the steps of the Australian government and several other countries show that states around the world are no longer content to delay for platforms to act voluntarily.