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Australia's bold move to ban social platforms access for individuals under sixteen is sparking debate internationally. Lawmakers, campaigners, and parents are watching with great interest to see if this tactic will become a template for countries abroad.

Across Europe Movement

Throughout Europe, a growing group of nations are moving toward comparable restrictions.

• Denmark plans a ban on social media for children under fifteen, with the leader stating that smartphones and networks are "stealing our kids' childhood". A law is expected to be passed soon.
• The Norwegian government is planning to introduce a minimum age limit of 15, pointing to the need to protect children from the "manipulative force of the algorithms".
• Ireland is introducing a online verification tool to verify the age and identity of social media participants. The media minister have suggested that an similar ban remains "a potential tools in reserve".
• In The Spanish government, the president has urged lawmakers to approve a proposal increasing the legal age for accessing social media to 16.
• In The French government, the head of state has floated the idea of a ban for children below 15, and a legislative committee has suggested a similar action, potentially involving an overnight "screen time restriction" for 15- to 18-year-olds.
• The government in The Netherlands has urged families to restrict their kids from social media until 15.

For the broader EU, the bloc's legislature has adopted a non-binding statement demanding a ban for under-16s without parental consent is given. Although it highlights of the "habit-forming" quality of these apps, the resolution does not establish mandatory rules.

"An effective age barrier is a good starting point," said one parliamentarian behind the resolution.

Britain: A Watchful Stance

For the United Kingdom, the government has not ruled out a potential ban, emphasizing that "no measure is being dismissed" but insisting any action must be "based on strong evidence".

Last year, interest grew behind a legislative effort to enact controls on social media use by under-16s, but it was eventually watered down. Instead, the government pledged to investigate the issue.

Advocacy groups have expressed concerns. One foundation set up by the family of a teenager who died after encountering disturbing social media material argues that a strict age ban might not make platforms safer and could result in a "dangerous transition" of exposure when young people become eligible.

"Australia's ban is a answer to the inability of the social media companies to build platforms and apps that are safe and age appropriate for minors," commented a influential child protection advocate.

The US: A Decentralized Approach

Stateside, regulation is mostly unfolding at the local level against a backdrop of country-wide gridlock.

• The state of Utah requires adult approval for under-18s to use social media and restricts late-night use.
• Florida has signed a law prohibiting children under fourteen from creating accounts on social media, though it faces constitutional disputes.
• The state of Virginia has enacted a regulation limiting under-16s to a single hour of social media access per day, with extra access requiring a guardian's okay.
• Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have likewise passed laws mandating guardian approval for teenagers to set up social media accounts.

Despite widespread concern and suggestions from certain individuals to follow this example, a US-wide ban is presently seen as unlikely.

Worldwide Views

Apart from Europe and the US, other countries are also exploring options.

• Malaysia intends to restrict social media for those under sixteen starting from next year.
• Brazil has increased the minimum age for the platform Instagram to 16.

Yet, global organizations take a more measured stance. A major UN agency has warned that blanket prohibitions pose dangers and "could backfire". The organization points out that the internet can be a "vital connection" for vulnerable children and that government action should not be a "excuse" for tech companies to prioritize user protection.

While this global discussion unfolds, the policies of the Australian government and others demonstrate that states internationally are increasingly content to wait for the industry to self-regulate.