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The Australian decisive move to prohibit social platforms access for those under 16 is sparking debate around the globe. Officials, campaigners, and guardians are watching intently to see if this tactic will inspire imitation for the rest of the world.

Across Europe Momentum

Across Europe, a rising number of nations are exploring similar measures.

• The Danish government has stated a ban on social media for youth below 15, with the leader stating that phones and apps are "stealing our youngsters' innocence". A law may be enacted soon.
• Norway is planning to introduce a age restriction of 15, pointing to the need to protect children from the "power of the algorithms".
• The Irish government is working on a online verification tool to confirm the user details of social media participants. Authorities have indicated that an Australia-style ban is "a potential measures in reserve".
• In Spain, the president has called on the legislature to approve a law raising the minimum age for joining social media to 16.
• In The French government, the president has proposed a ban for under-15s, and a government panel has endorsed a similar step, including an overnight "digital curfew" for adolescents.
• The government in The Dutch government has recommended guardians to prevent their youngsters from social media before 15.

For the broader EU, the EU parliament has passed a non-binding motion calling for a ban for teenagers under 16 without guardian approval is granted. While it cautions of the "compulsive" nature of these services, the resolution does not establish mandatory rules.

"A strong age limit is a solid starting point," commented a leading MEP behind the measure.

The UK: A Watchful Eye

In the UK, the government has not ruled out a possible ban, emphasizing that "no measure is discarded" but insisting any policy must be "grounded in conclusive data".

Last year, momentum grew behind a legislative effort to enact controls on social media use by minors, but it was eventually watered down. Nonetheless, the administration vowed to investigate the issue.

Advocacy groups have raised concerns. One foundation founded by the family of a young person who died after viewing dangerous social media material argues that a blanket age ban may not make platforms safer and could lead to a "sudden drop-off" of harm when teens reach the legal age.

"This ban is a answer to the refusal of the social media companies to design tools that are safe and suitable for young users," said a leading online safety campaigner.

America: A Fragmented Picture

In the United States, regulation is largely unfolding at the local level against a backdrop of country-wide stalemate.

• The state of Utah mandates adult approval for under-18s to use social media and limits nighttime use.
• Florida has enacted a law banning under-14s from creating accounts on social media, though it is subject to constitutional disputes.
• Virginia has approved a law capping minors to a single hour of social media time per day, with extra time requiring adult consent.
• Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have similarly passed measures mandating parental consent for under-16s to open social media profiles.

Despite cross-party agreement and calls from some figures to copy Australia's example, a nationwide ban is presently seen as a distant prospect.

International Outlook

Apart from the West, other countries are likewise considering moves.

• The Malaysian government plans to prohibit social media for those under sixteen starting from next year.
• The Brazilian authorities has raised the access age for one major platform to 16.

Yet, world agencies strike a more nuanced position. A major UN agency has warned that social media bans carry risks and "could have unintended consequences". The organization highlights that online platforms can be a "critical link" for vulnerable children and that regulation should not be a "replacement" for platform operators to prioritize child safeguards.

As this global conversation evolves, the actions of Australia and several other countries demonstrate that policymakers around the world are no longer willing to stand by for the industry to act voluntarily.