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Australia's bold move to prohibit social platforms access for those under 16 is sparking debate worldwide. Lawmakers, child protection groups, and parents are monitoring with great interest 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.

• Denmark has announced a prohibition on social media for children under fifteen, with the PM stating that smartphones and platforms are "stealing our kids' innocence". A law may be passed next year.
• The Norwegian government is set to introduce a access barrier of 15, citing the need to protect the young from the "manipulative force of the AI".
• The Irish government is developing a digital ID system to verify the user details of social media account holders. Authorities have indicated that an Australia-style ban remains "an tools in reserve".
• In The Spanish government, the president has called on parliament to enact a law increasing the minimum age for using social media to 16.
• In The French government, the leader has threatened a ban for those under fifteen, and a parliamentary commission has suggested a related action, potentially involving an overnight "screen time restriction" for adolescents.
• The authorities in the Netherlands has recommended parents to block their youngsters from social media until 15.

For the broader EU, the bloc's legislature has adopted a non-binding motion supporting a ban for under-16s unless guardian approval is granted. Even though it warns of the "compulsive" design of these apps, the resolution does not create binding law.

"An effective age restriction is a good foundation," commented one European lawmaker behind the measure.

The UK: An Evidence-Based Approach

Across Britain, the government has not ruled out a future ban, emphasizing that "no option is discarded" but stressing any action must be "grounded in strong data".

Previously, support grew behind a bill to introduce restrictions on social media use by under-16s, but it was ultimately watered down. However, the administration vowed to conduct more studies the issue.

Campaign organizations have voiced warnings. A prominent charity established by the family of a girl who was lost after viewing dangerous online content argues that a strict age ban could fail to protect children and could create a "cliff edge" of risk when young people become eligible.

"The Australian ban is a answer to the inability of the tech sector to build tools that are safe and fit for children," said a leading peer.

The US: A Decentralized Landscape

Stateside, action is largely happening at the local government level against a backdrop of national inaction.

• The state of Utah requires adult approval for minors to use social media and controls late-night use.
• The state of Florida has enacted a bill banning those below 14 from creating accounts on social media, though it is subject to court battles.
• Virginia has passed a regulation capping teenagers to 60 minutes of social media time per day, with extra time dependent on parental permission.
• Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and The state of Louisiana have likewise passed bills mandating guardian approval for teenagers to set up social media accounts.

Despite bipartisan support and proposals from various politicians to follow this example, a US-wide ban is currently seen as improbable.

Worldwide Outlook

Beyond Europe and the US, other nations are likewise considering moves.

• Malaysia plans to ban social media for those under sixteen starting from next year.
• Brazil has raised the access age for one major platform to 16.

But, global bodies adopt a more nuanced position. A major UN agency has advised that age-based restrictions pose dangers and "may even prove counterproductive". The body highlights that online platforms can be a "vital connection" for vulnerable children and that regulation should not be a "excuse" for social media firms to invest in child safeguards.

Even as this global debate continues, the steps of this nation and its followers indicate that states around the world are no longer prepared to wait for the industry to make changes on their own.