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Australia's controversial action to prohibit social platforms access for individuals under sixteen is sparking debate around the globe. Officials, safety advocates, and families are monitoring intently to see if this tactic will inspire imitation for the rest of the world.

European Trend

Throughout Europe, a growing number of countries are exploring parallel restrictions.

• The Danish government has announced a prohibition on social media for under-15s, with the prime minister declaring that mobile devices and apps are "robbing our youngsters' innocence". A law could be formalized next year.
• The Norwegian government is set to enforce a age restriction of 15, pointing to the need to protect young people from the "manipulative force of the AI".
• Ireland is introducing a online verification tool to verify the user details of social media users. Authorities have suggested that an Australia-style ban could be "one of the options in reserve".
• In The Spanish government, the president has asked lawmakers to approve a law increasing the access age for joining social media to 16.
• In France, the president has floated the idea of a ban for children below 15, and a parliamentary commission has endorsed a related move, including an overnight "internet blackout" for older teenagers.
• The administration in the Netherlands has advised families to block their children from social media until 15.

For the broader EU, the European parliament has adopted a symbolic motion supporting a ban for under-16s unless a parent decides otherwise is provided. Even though it warns of the "habit-forming" quality of these platforms, the step does not enact mandatory rules.

"An effective age restriction is a solid starting point," commented the European lawmaker supporting the measure.

The UK: A Watchful Eye

For the United Kingdom, the government has remained open to a potential ban, arguing that "no measure is off the table" but insisting any decision must be "grounded in strong evidence".

Last year, momentum built behind a proposal to enact controls on social media use by under-16s, but it was eventually weakened. Instead, the government committed to investigate the topic.

Charities have voiced warnings. An organization founded by the family of a girl who took her own life after viewing dangerous platform posts argues that a strict age ban might not protect children and could result in a "sudden drop-off" of exposure when users reach the legal age.

"The Australian ban is a answer to the inability of the social media companies to create tools that are secure and suitable for minors," stated a prominent child protection advocate.

America: A Fragmented Picture

Across America, action is largely unfolding at the state government level amid national gridlock.

• Utah mandates parental consent for those under 18 to use social media and restricts nighttime use.
• The state of Florida has passed a bill banning children under fourteen from creating accounts on social media, though it faces court battles.
• Virginia has passed a law capping teenagers to one hour of social media time per day, with any further time dependent on parental permission.
• Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and Louisiana have also enacted laws mandating guardian approval for under-16s to open social media accounts.

Even with widespread concern and suggestions from certain politicians to mimic the Australian example, a federal ban is currently seen as unlikely.

International Outlook

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

• Malaysia plans to restrict social media for teenagers starting from next year.
• The Brazilian authorities has lifted the required age for one major platform to 16.

However, international bodies take a more measured stance. A major UN agency has advised that blanket prohibitions have downsides and "could backfire". The body points out that social networks can be a "vital connection" for isolated children and that bans should not be a "substitute" for social media firms to improve safety.

As this worldwide conversation continues, the policies of the Australian government and several other countries indicate that states internationally are less and less willing to wait for tech companies to make changes on their own.