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Australia's decisive action to restrict social platforms access for individuals under sixteen is sparking debate internationally. Politicians, campaigners, and parents are watching closely to see if this tactic will become a template for the rest of the world.

The European Movement

In Europe, a growing chorus of countries are exploring similar restrictions.

• The Danish government has stated a prohibition on social media for children under fifteen, with the prime minister stating that mobile devices and networks are "robbing our kids' childhood". Legislation is expected to be enacted in the coming year.
• Norway is planning to introduce a minimum age limit of 15, pointing to the need to safeguard children from the "power of the algorithms".
• Ireland is developing a digital wallet to verify the age and identity of social media participants. Officials have suggested that an similar ban is "a potential options in reserve".
• In Spain, the prime minister has called on the legislature to enact a proposal increasing the legal age for accessing social media to 16.
• In The French government, the head of state has floated the idea of a ban for those under fifteen, and a legislative committee has recommended a related step, including an overnight "digital curfew" for older teenagers.
• The government in The Netherlands has advised parents to restrict their kids from social media up to the age of 15.

At the EU level, the EU parliament has passed a non-binding resolution demanding a ban for minors without parental consent is provided. Even though it cautions of the "addictive" design of these platforms, the resolution does not create binding law.

"A strong age restriction is a useful first step," said one parliamentarian supporting the initiative.

The UK: A Cautious Approach

In the UK, the government has not ruled out a potential ban, arguing that "no option is discarded" but stressing any action must be "grounded in conclusive research".

Previously, interest built behind a proposal to introduce limits on social media use by minors, but it was in the end watered down. Instead, the administration committed to further research the matter.

Charities have voiced warnings. An organization established by the loved ones of a teenager who was lost after viewing dangerous platform posts contends that a strict age ban may not protect children and could result in a "sudden drop-off" of harm when users become eligible.

"Australia's ban is a answer to the refusal of the Silicon Valley to design products and services that are appropriate and suitable for minors," commented a influential online safety campaigner.

America: A Decentralized Landscape

Stateside, action is mostly happening at the regional government level due to federal stalemate.

• Utah requires adult approval for minors to use social media and controls overnight use.
• Florida has passed a bill banning under-14s from creating accounts on social media, though it is subject to court battles.
• The state of Virginia has enacted a regulation restricting minors to one hour of social media access per day, with extra access needing adult consent.
• Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and Louisiana have also passed measures demanding adult authorization for minors to set up social media profiles.

Even with cross-party agreement and calls from certain individuals to copy Australia's path, a federal ban is right now seen as unlikely.

Global Perspectives

Apart from these regions, other countries are likewise considering moves.

• Malaysia intends to restrict social media for under-16s beginning next year.
• The Brazilian authorities has raised the minimum age for one major platform to 16.

However, international organizations strike a more nuanced stance. A major UN agency has advised that social media bans carry risks and "could have unintended consequences". The body highlights that online platforms can be a "lifeline" for isolated young people and that government action should not be a "replacement" for platform operators to improve user protection.

As this global debate continues, the policies of Australia and others indicate that states globally are less and less willing to delay for platforms to self-regulate.