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The Australian decisive move to restrict social platforms access for those under 16 is sparking debate internationally. Lawmakers, safety advocates, and parents are monitoring with great interest to see if this tactic will inspire imitation for countries abroad.

European Momentum

Throughout Europe, a rising number of countries are exploring parallel bans.

• The Danish government plans a ban on social media for youth below 15, with the leader arguing that phones and platforms are "robbing our youngsters' childhood". The policy could be enacted soon.
• Norway is planning to enforce a minimum age limit of 15, pointing to the need to protect children from the "power of the algorithms".
• The Irish government is working on a digital wallet to authenticate the identity and age of social media users. Officials have stated that an Australian-model ban could be "an measures under consideration".
• In Spain, the prime minister has called on parliament to pass a bill raising the access age for using social media to 16.
• In France, the head of state has proposed a ban for children below 15, and a government panel has endorsed a related step, potentially involving an overnight "internet blackout" for older teenagers.
• The administration in The Netherlands has advised families to block their children from social media before 15.

At the EU level, the bloc's legislature has passed a symbolic statement demanding a ban for teenagers under 16 without a parent decides otherwise is given. Even though it highlights of the "habit-forming" design of these apps, the resolution does not create enforceable legislation.

"A clear age limit is a good starting point," commented the European lawmaker driving the initiative.

The United Kingdom: A Watchful Stance

For the United Kingdom, the leadership has kept open a future ban, arguing that "nothing is being dismissed" but insisting any policy must be "based on conclusive evidence".

Previously, support gathered behind a proposal to introduce restrictions on social media use by teenagers, but it was ultimately weakened. However, the government pledged to conduct more studies the topic.

Advocacy groups have raised apprehensions. A prominent charity founded by the loved ones of a teenager who died after encountering dangerous online content argues that a simple age ban could fail to protect children and could result in a "dangerous transition" of harm when teens turn 16.

"The Australian ban is a reaction to the refusal of the tech sector to build platforms and apps that are safe and age appropriate for children," commented a influential peer.

America: A Decentralized Picture

Stateside, legislation is mostly occurring at the local level against a backdrop of national gridlock.

• Utah mandates parental consent for minors to use social media and limits overnight use.
• Florida has enacted a bill barring those below 14 from accessing social media, though it faces constitutional disputes.
• The state of Virginia has passed a regulation restricting minors to 60 minutes of social media access per day, with any further use needing parental permission.
• Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and The state of Louisiana have also enacted laws requiring adult authorization for teenagers to create social media presences.

Despite widespread concern and calls from various figures to copy Australia's path, a US-wide ban is right now seen as improbable.

Global Perspectives

Apart from these regions, further nations are also exploring options.

• Malaysia plans to restrict social media for teenagers starting from next year.
• Brazil has raised the required age for one major platform to 16.

Yet, world bodies take a more measured position. The UN children's agency has cautioned that social media bans carry risks and "may even backfire". The agency points out that online platforms can be a "critical link" for isolated children and that government action should not be a "excuse" for platform operators to invest in user protection.

As this worldwide discussion continues, the policies of Australia and several other countries show that governments around the world are increasingly prepared to wait for platforms to self-regulate.