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Australia's decisive policy to ban social platforms access for those under 16 is sparking debate internationally. Lawmakers, safety advocates, and guardians are observing closely to see if this strategy will inspire imitation for the rest of the world.

Across Europe Trend

In Europe, a increasing group of states are exploring parallel restrictions.

• The Danish government has stated a ban on social media for under-15s, with the PM declaring that mobile devices and apps are "taking away our children's childhood". The policy could be enacted soon.
• Norway is set to introduce a minimum age limit of 15, citing the need to shield the young from the "manipulative force of the recommendation systems".
• The Irish government is working on a online verification tool to confirm the user details of social media account holders. Authorities have indicated that an similar ban remains "an measures on the table".
• In Spain, the leader has called on the legislature to enact a law increasing the minimum age for joining social media to 16.
• In France, the president has proposed a ban for those under fifteen, and a parliamentary commission has endorsed a related action, alongside an overnight "screen time restriction" for older teenagers.
• The authorities in the Netherlands has advised families to prevent their kids from social media before 15.

At the EU level, the bloc's legislature has adopted a symbolic motion supporting a ban for minors without a parent decides otherwise is granted. Although it highlights of the "habit-forming" nature of these platforms, the move does not enact binding law.

"An effective age restriction is a solid first step," stated one European lawmaker supporting the resolution.

Britain: A Cautious Stance

In the UK, the leadership has remained open to a potential ban, emphasizing that "no measure is being dismissed" but insisting any policy must be "based on conclusive evidence".

Earlier, support grew behind a proposal to enact limits on social media use by teenagers, but it was ultimately modified. Nonetheless, the government committed to conduct more studies the matter.

Advocacy groups have voiced warnings. A prominent charity established by the family of a teenager who was lost after viewing disturbing platform posts suggests that a strict age ban may not protect children and could create a "sudden drop-off" of harm when users become eligible.

"This ban is a reaction to the inability of the social media companies to create platforms and apps that are safe and suitable for children," said a influential peer.

The United States: A Fragmented Approach

In the United States, regulation is primarily happening at the state level against a backdrop of national inaction.

• Utah demands adult approval for under-18s to use social media and controls overnight use.
• The state of Florida has passed a bill barring children under fourteen from creating accounts on social media, though it faces court battles.
• Virginia has passed a law capping teenagers to 60 minutes of social media time per day, with additional use dependent on parental permission.
• The state of Georgia, Tennessee, and The state of Louisiana have similarly introduced measures mandating parental consent for teenagers to open social media profiles.

Despite cross-party agreement and suggestions from various individuals to mimic the Australian example, a federal ban is right now seen as improbable.

International Views

Beyond the West, other states are similarly exploring options.

• Malaysia plans to prohibit social media for those under sixteen beginning next year.
• Brazil has increased the minimum age for one major platform to 16.

Yet, world agencies strike a more measured tone. The UN children's agency has cautioned that blanket prohibitions have downsides and "may even have unintended consequences". The organization notes that social networks can be a "lifeline" for marginalized young people and that bans should not be a "replacement" for platform operators to prioritize safety.

While this worldwide debate unfolds, the policies of the Australian government and others indicate that policymakers internationally are no longer willing to wait for the industry to act voluntarily.