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The Australian decisive move to ban social platforms access for those under 16 is sparking debate worldwide. Lawmakers, child protection groups, and parents are watching closely to see if this approach will set a precedent for the rest of the world.

European Trend

In Europe, a growing chorus of states are exploring similar bans.

• The Danish government has stated a ban on social media for under-15s, with the leader stating that phones and apps are "robbing our children's youth". Legislation is expected to be formalized soon.
• The Norwegian government is preparing to implement a minimum age limit of 15, highlighting the need to protect young people from the "manipulative force of the algorithms".
• The Irish government is working on a digital ID system to verify the identity and age of social media participants. The media minister have indicated that an Australian-model ban is "a potential measures in reserve".
• In Spain, the president has urged the legislature to approve a proposal raising the legal age for accessing social media to 16.
• In France, the leader has proposed a ban for those under fifteen, and a parliamentary commission has endorsed a similar action, including an overnight "internet blackout" for adolescents.
• The administration in The Dutch government has advised families to restrict their youngsters from social media until 15.

At the EU level, the EU parliament has passed a symbolic resolution demanding a ban for minors except if parental consent is given. Although it cautions of the "compulsive" nature of these platforms, the step does not establish mandatory rules.

"A clear age restriction is a solid foundation," said a leading parliamentarian driving the measure.

The United Kingdom: An Evidence-Based Stance

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

Previously, support built behind a bill to introduce limits on social media use by teenagers, but it was ultimately weakened. Nonetheless, the government pledged to further research the topic.

Campaign organizations have raised warnings. An organization founded by the loved ones of a girl who was lost after viewing disturbing platform posts contends that a strict age ban may not improve online safety and could create a "sudden drop-off" of risk when users become eligible.

"This ban is a reaction to the refusal of the tech sector to build products and services that are secure and age appropriate for young users," commented a leading child protection advocate.

America: A State-by-State Approach

Stateside, regulation is primarily occurring at the state level against a backdrop of country-wide stalemate.

• The state of Utah requires guardian permission for those under 18 to use social media and controls overnight use.
• Florida has signed a measure barring under-14s from joining social media, though it faces court battles.
• Virginia has approved a regulation limiting teenagers to 60 minutes of social media access per day, with any further use dependent on parental permission.
• The state of Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have likewise enacted laws mandating adult authorization for teenagers to set up social media accounts.

Even with widespread concern and proposals from certain individuals to mimic this path, a federal ban is currently seen as unlikely.

Worldwide Perspectives

Beyond the West, further states are likewise taking action.

• Malaysia aims to prohibit social media for teenagers beginning next year.
• Brazil has increased the access age for the platform Instagram to 16.

However, global agencies adopt a more nuanced tone. A major UN agency has warned that blanket prohibitions carry risks and "could have unintended consequences". The body points out that social networks can be a "critical link" for isolated children and that government action should not be a "replacement" for tech companies to invest in safety.

Even as this international debate unfolds, the policies of this nation and others indicate that states globally are less and less content to delay for platforms to act voluntarily.