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Australia's controversial move to restrict social platforms access for those under 16 is sparking debate worldwide. Politicians, child protection groups, and parents are watching intently to see if this tactic will inspire imitation for other nations.

The European Momentum

Throughout Europe, a increasing group of states are exploring similar measures.

• Denmark has stated a restriction on social media for children under fifteen, with the PM declaring that smartphones and apps are "taking away our children's childhood". The policy may be enacted next year.
• The Norwegian government is planning to implement a access barrier of 15, pointing to the need to protect the young from the "power of the algorithms".
• The Irish government is working on a digital ID system to confirm the identity and age of social media users. The media minister have suggested that an Australian-model ban is "an measures in reserve".
• In The Spanish government, the leader has called on lawmakers to approve a proposal increasing the minimum age for joining social media to 16.
• In The French government, the head of state has proposed a ban for children below 15, and a legislative committee has endorsed a comparable move, including an overnight "digital curfew" for 15- to 18-year-olds.
• The administration in The Netherlands has advised families to prevent their youngsters from social media until 15.

At the EU level, the EU parliament has adopted a non-binding resolution supporting a ban for minors unless guardian approval is granted. Even though it cautions of the "habit-forming" nature of these apps, the step does not establish mandatory rules.

"A clear age restriction is a useful starting point," commented one MEP behind the measure.

Britain: An Evidence-Based Eye

For the United Kingdom, the leadership has remained open to a possible ban, emphasizing that "no measure is discarded" but insisting any decision must be "supported by robust evidence".

Earlier, support gathered behind a proposal to enact controls on social media use by minors, but it was in the end modified. Instead, the government committed to investigate the matter.

Charities have raised warnings. An organization set up by the loved ones of a teenager who died after being exposed to disturbing social media material contends that a simple age ban might not protect children and could lead to a "sudden drop-off" of risk when teens become eligible.

"The Australian ban is a response to the inability of the social media companies to build products and services that are appropriate and age appropriate for young users," said a influential online safety campaigner.

America: A State-by-State Landscape

In the United States, action is mostly occurring at the local level amid federal gridlock.

• Utah requires adult approval for those under 18 to use social media and controls late-night use.
• Florida has passed a measure barring those below 14 from creating accounts on social media, though it faces legal challenges.
• The state of Virginia has passed a law restricting under-16s to one hour of social media use per day, with extra time needing parental permission.
• Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and Louisiana have likewise enacted measures mandating guardian approval for minors to open social media presences.

Even with cross-party agreement and suggestions from various politicians to copy this lead, a federal ban is right now seen as unlikely.

Worldwide Perspectives

Outside of Europe and the US, other states are also taking action.

• Malaysia aims to restrict social media for those under sixteen effective next year.
• Brazil has lifted the minimum age for one major platform to 16.

Yet, international agencies take a more measured tone. The UN children's agency has warned that social media bans carry risks and "could prove counterproductive". The agency points out that the internet can be a "critical link" for isolated young people and that regulation should not be a "replacement" for platform operators to improve user protection.

Even as this international debate evolves, the policies of the Australian government and others show that policymakers globally are increasingly prepared to wait for tech companies to act voluntarily.