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Australia's decisive move to prohibit social platforms access for young people below 16 is sparking debate internationally. Politicians, safety advocates, and parents are watching closely to see if this strategy will become a template for countries abroad.

European Movement

Throughout Europe, a increasing chorus of states are exploring similar restrictions.

• Denmark plans a prohibition on social media for under-15s, with the PM declaring that phones and apps are "taking away our youngsters' innocence". Legislation may be formalized next year.
• Norway is preparing to implement a minimum age limit of 15, pointing to the need to protect young people from the "influence of the recommendation systems".
• Ireland is introducing a digital wallet to authenticate the identity and age of social media participants. The media minister have suggested that an Australian-model ban remains "an tools on the table".
• In Spain, the leader has called on lawmakers to enact a bill lifting the access age for using social media to 16.
• In France, the leader has proposed a ban for under-15s, and a government panel has suggested a similar move, potentially involving an overnight "digital curfew" for older teenagers.
• The administration in the Netherlands has recommended parents to block their children from social media until 15.

For the broader EU, the bloc's legislature has approved a advisory motion demanding a ban for teenagers under 16 except if a parent decides otherwise is given. Although it warns of the "habit-forming" quality of these platforms, the step does not establish mandatory rules.

"A strong age barrier is a solid first step," commented one MEP behind the resolution.

The UK: An Evidence-Based Stance

In the UK, the administration has remained open to a potential ban, stating that "no measure is off the table" but maintaining any action must be "based on strong research".

Last year, momentum gathered behind a proposal to impose restrictions on social media use by minors, but it was in the end modified. Instead, the government committed to conduct more studies the issue.

Advocacy groups have expressed apprehensions. One foundation founded by the relatives of a girl who took her own life after encountering dangerous platform posts contends that a simple age ban might not protect children and could create a "dangerous transition" of harm when users turn 16.

"This ban is a response to the inability of the social media companies to create tools that are secure and fit for children," commented a prominent online safety campaigner.

The US: A Decentralized Landscape

Stateside, action is largely unfolding at the regional level amid country-wide gridlock.

• The state of Utah mandates parental consent for minors to use social media and controls late-night use.
• Florida has passed a measure prohibiting children under fourteen from accessing social media, though it is subject to court battles.
• Virginia has passed a regulation capping teenagers to a single hour of social media time per day, with additional use needing a guardian's okay.
• Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have likewise passed bills requiring parental consent for teenagers to create social media presences.

Despite cross-party agreement and proposals from various individuals to copy Australia's path, a nationwide ban is right now seen as unlikely.

Global Views

Apart from Europe and the US, further countries are similarly considering moves.

• Malaysia plans to prohibit social media for those under sixteen effective next year.
• Brazil has increased the access age for the platform Instagram to 16.

But, international organizations strike a more cautious position. The UN children's agency has cautioned that social media bans carry risks and "could have unintended consequences". The body points out that online platforms can be a "lifeline" for isolated youth and that bans should not be a "excuse" for tech companies to improve child safeguards.

As this worldwide debate evolves, the actions of this nation and others show that policymakers around the world are increasingly prepared to delay for tech companies to self-regulate.