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The Australian bold policy to prohibit social platforms access for individuals under sixteen is sparking debate around the globe. Lawmakers, campaigners, and families are watching intently to see if this tactic will inspire imitation for countries abroad.

Across Europe Trend

In Europe, a rising group of nations are moving toward similar bans.

• The Danish government has announced a prohibition on social media for under-15s, with the prime minister stating that mobile devices and networks are "robbing our kids' innocence". Legislation may be formalized next year.
• Norway is preparing to enforce a minimum age limit of 15, highlighting the need to protect young people from the "manipulative force of the recommendation systems".
• Ireland is working on a online verification tool to authenticate the identity and age of social media account holders. The media minister have stated that an Australia-style ban remains "a potential tools under consideration".
• In The Spanish government, the prime minister has called on lawmakers to enact a bill raising the legal age for accessing social media to 16.
• In France, the head of state has floated the idea of a ban for children below 15, and a legislative committee has recommended a comparable step, including an overnight "screen time restriction" for 15- to 18-year-olds.
• The government in The Dutch government has urged guardians to prevent their kids from social media before 15.

Across the European Union, the EU parliament has adopted a non-binding resolution supporting a ban for teenagers under 16 except if a parent decides otherwise is given. Even though it cautions of the "compulsive" nature of these services, the step does not create mandatory rules.

"An effective age restriction is a solid foundation," commented a leading MEP behind the measure.

The United Kingdom: A Watchful Approach

In the UK, the leadership has remained open to a future ban, emphasizing that "no option is discarded" but maintaining any policy must be "based on strong research".

Last year, support built behind a bill to impose controls on social media use by teenagers, but it was eventually weakened. However, the government pledged to further research the topic.

Campaign organizations have expressed apprehensions. An organization founded by the loved ones of a teenager who died after viewing dangerous online content argues that a strict age ban could fail to improve online safety and could lead to a "cliff edge" of harm when teens become eligible.

"The Australian ban is a answer to the refusal of the tech sector to design products and services that are appropriate and fit for children," said a leading child protection advocate.

America: A State-by-State Landscape

Across America, action is primarily happening at the regional level amid federal gridlock.

• Utah demands parental consent for under-18s to use social media and restricts nighttime use.
• Florida has enacted a measure barring under-14s from joining social media, though it is subject to court battles.
• Virginia has approved a regulation restricting teenagers to a single hour of social media access per day, with extra access needing a guardian's okay.
• Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have likewise enacted bills requiring guardian approval for minors to create social media accounts.

Despite widespread concern and suggestions from some individuals to mimic this path, a federal ban is currently seen as improbable.

Global Perspectives

Apart from these regions, additional countries are similarly taking action.

• Malaysia intends to restrict social media for teenagers starting from next year.
• Brazil has increased the minimum age for one major platform to 16.

But, global organizations take a more measured position. Unicef has warned that age-based restrictions pose dangers and "could backfire". The agency notes that online platforms can be a "critical link" for marginalized youth and that government action should not be a "excuse" for platform operators to improve child safeguards.

While this worldwide discussion unfolds, the steps of this nation and its followers show that governments internationally are increasingly willing to delay for tech companies to self-regulate.