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The Australian bold action to ban social platforms access for individuals under sixteen is sparking debate internationally. Officials, campaigners, and families are observing intently to see if this strategy will set a precedent for countries abroad.

Across Europe Movement

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

• Denmark has stated a prohibition on social media for children under fifteen, with the leader arguing that mobile devices and networks are "taking away our children's youth". The policy could be formalized next year.
• Norway is planning to implement a age restriction of 15, pointing to the need to shield the young from the "manipulative force of the AI".
• The Irish government is developing a online verification tool to confirm the identity and age of social media account holders. Authorities have indicated that an similar ban remains "one of the measures in reserve".
• In Spain, the president has asked lawmakers to enact a bill increasing the legal age for joining social media to 16.
• In France, the president has proposed a ban for under-15s, and a legislative committee has endorsed a comparable step, potentially involving an overnight "digital curfew" for adolescents.
• The authorities in The Netherlands has advised families to block their children from social media before 15.

Across the European Union, the European parliament has approved a non-binding resolution demanding a ban for under-16s unless guardian approval is provided. While it highlights of the "addictive" nature of these services, the resolution does not enact binding law.

"An effective age barrier is a useful first step," commented a leading MEP behind the initiative.

Britain: A Watchful Stance

In the UK, the government has kept open a possible ban, stating that "no option is being dismissed" but maintaining any action must be "based on strong data".

Earlier, interest built behind a proposal to impose limits on social media use by minors, but it was eventually watered down. However, the administration vowed to conduct more studies the matter.

Campaign organizations have raised concerns. A prominent charity established by the loved ones of a girl who was lost after being exposed to harmful social media material contends that a strict age ban might not improve online safety and could result in a "dangerous transition" of harm when users reach the legal age.

"Australia's ban is a response to the inability of the Silicon Valley to build platforms and apps that are appropriate and suitable for children," said a leading child protection advocate.

The US: A Fragmented Picture

Across America, action is primarily occurring at the local government level due to federal stalemate.

• Utah mandates guardian permission for those under 18 to use social media and limits late-night use.
• Florida has enacted a law barring those below 14 from joining social media, though it is subject to court battles.
• The state of Virginia has enacted a law capping teenagers to one hour of social media access per day, with any further access requiring a guardian's okay.
• Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have similarly passed laws requiring adult authorization for under-16s to set up social media presences.

Even with cross-party agreement and proposals from some politicians to mimic Australia's example, a US-wide ban is right now seen as unlikely.

International Views

Beyond the West, further nations are likewise taking action.

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

Yet, global organizations adopt a more nuanced position. The UN children's agency has advised that age-based restrictions carry risks and "might prove counterproductive". The agency highlights that online platforms can be a "vital connection" for vulnerable youth and that bans should not be a "excuse" for tech companies to improve user protection.

Even as this worldwide debate continues, the steps of Australia and others show that governments around the world are increasingly prepared to wait for platforms to make changes on their own.