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The Australian controversial policy to restrict social platforms access for those under 16 is sparking debate internationally. Officials, child protection groups, and parents are watching intently to see if this approach will set a precedent for other nations.

Across Europe Movement

In Europe, a increasing number of countries are moving toward similar measures.

• Denmark has announced a ban on social media for under-15s, with the PM declaring that mobile devices and platforms are "stealing our children's innocence". Legislation is expected to be formalized next year.
• Norway is planning to implement a minimum age limit of 15, citing the need to shield children from the "manipulative force of the algorithms".
• Ireland is working on a digital ID system to authenticate the age and identity of social media account holders. Authorities have stated that an Australia-style ban is "a potential options in reserve".
• In Spain, the leader has asked parliament to enact a law lifting the legal age for accessing social media to 16.
• In France, the head of state has threatened a ban for children below 15, and a government panel has suggested a comparable action, potentially involving an overnight "digital curfew" for 15- to 18-year-olds.
• The authorities in the Netherlands has urged parents to prevent their children from social media until 15.

At the EU level, the EU parliament has adopted a non-binding statement demanding a ban for under-16s without guardian approval is provided. While it warns of the "addictive" quality of these platforms, the move does not establish binding law.

"An effective age limit is a solid first step," stated one MEP supporting the resolution.

The United Kingdom: An Evidence-Based Stance

In the UK, the administration has not ruled out a future ban, emphasizing that "nothing is discarded" but insisting any action must be "supported by conclusive data".

Last year, momentum gathered behind a bill to introduce controls on social media use by minors, but it was in the end weakened. Nonetheless, the administration pledged to investigate the topic.

Charities have expressed concerns. A prominent charity founded by the family of a teenager who took her own life after viewing harmful online content suggests that a simple age ban could fail to make platforms safer and could lead to a "dangerous transition" of exposure when young people become eligible.

"The Australian ban is a reaction to the failure of the Silicon Valley to create products and services that are safe and suitable for young users," said a prominent peer.

America: A Decentralized Picture

Stateside, action is mostly unfolding at the local government level against a backdrop of country-wide stalemate.

• Utah mandates guardian permission for those under 18 to use social media and limits late-night use.
• Florida has passed a law prohibiting those below 14 from accessing social media, though it is subject to legal challenges.
• Virginia has passed a regulation capping minors to a single hour of social media time per day, with additional use dependent on parental permission.
• The state of Georgia, Tennessee, and The state of Louisiana have also passed bills demanding guardian approval for under-16s to set up social media accounts.

Even with cross-party agreement and calls from some politicians to follow Australia's lead, a nationwide ban is presently seen as a distant prospect.

Global Perspectives

Beyond Europe and the US, other nations are likewise taking action.

• Malaysia aims to restrict social media for those under sixteen effective next year.
• The Brazilian authorities has raised the access age for the platform Instagram to 16.

But, international organizations strike a more cautious stance. A major UN agency has cautioned that age-based restrictions carry risks and "may even have unintended consequences". The body points out that online platforms can be a "critical link" for isolated children and that bans should not be a "substitute" for tech companies to prioritize safety.

As this global conversation continues, the actions of Australia and others indicate that states around the world are no longer content to delay for the industry to make changes on their own.