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The Australian bold action to ban social platforms access for those under 16 is sparking debate internationally. Politicians, child protection groups, and parents are watching with great interest to see if this approach will become a template for the rest of the world.

The European Movement

In Europe, a growing chorus of states are moving toward parallel restrictions.

• Denmark plans a restriction on social media for under-15s, with the prime minister stating that phones and networks are "robbing our kids' childhood". A law is expected to be enacted next year.
• Norway is planning to enforce a access barrier of 15, highlighting the need to protect children from the "power of the AI".
• The Irish government is working on a digital wallet to verify the identity and age of social media users. Officials have stated that an Australia-style ban is "one of the options under consideration".
• In Spain, the prime minister has urged lawmakers to approve a law increasing the access age for accessing social media to 16.
• In France, the head of state has floated the idea of a ban for under-15s, and a legislative committee has endorsed a related move, alongside an overnight "screen time restriction" for older teenagers.
• The administration in The Dutch government has advised families to block their children from social media up to the age of 15.

At the EU level, the European parliament has adopted a non-binding statement supporting a ban for under-16s without guardian approval is provided. While it highlights of the "compulsive" design of these apps, the step does not create binding law.

"A strong age restriction is a useful foundation," stated a leading MEP supporting the measure.

The UK: A Cautious Stance

Across Britain, the leadership has remained open to a potential ban, arguing that "no option is off the table" but maintaining any decision must be "grounded in robust evidence".

Previously, momentum built behind a proposal to introduce limits on social media use by teenagers, but it was ultimately modified. However, the government pledged to investigate the issue.

Campaign organizations have expressed concerns. A prominent charity founded by the family of a teenager who took her own life after encountering dangerous online content argues that a simple age ban could fail to protect children and could result in a "sudden drop-off" of risk when young people reach the legal age.

"The Australian ban is a reaction to the refusal of the Silicon Valley to design platforms and apps that are appropriate and suitable for children," commented a prominent peer.

The US: A Decentralized Approach

Across America, legislation is largely happening at the local government level due to country-wide inaction.

• Utah demands parental consent for those under 18 to use social media and restricts overnight use.
• The state of Florida has signed a law prohibiting children under fourteen from joining social media, though it is entangled in court battles.
• Virginia has enacted a law limiting under-16s to one hour of social media use per day, with extra use dependent on parental permission.
• The state of Georgia, Tennessee, and The state of Louisiana have likewise passed laws demanding guardian approval for teenagers to set up social media profiles.

Even with bipartisan support and proposals from some figures to mimic this path, a federal ban is right now seen as a distant prospect.

Global Outlook

Apart from these regions, further countries are similarly considering moves.

• The Malaysian government aims to restrict social media for teenagers starting from next year.
• Brazil has increased the minimum age for the platform Instagram to 16.

But, international bodies adopt a more nuanced stance. Unicef has cautioned that blanket prohibitions carry risks and "could backfire". The organization notes that social networks can be a "vital connection" for vulnerable children and that bans should not be a "substitute" for social media firms to invest in child safeguards.

Even as this global debate evolves, the actions of Australia and its followers demonstrate that states internationally are less and less willing to delay for the industry to make changes on their own.