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Australia's bold action to ban social platforms access for young people below 16 is sparking debate internationally. Politicians, campaigners, and families are observing with great interest to see if this approach will become a template for countries abroad.

Across Europe Momentum

Throughout Europe, a rising number of states are moving toward comparable measures.

• Denmark has announced a prohibition on social media for under-15s, with the PM stating that phones and platforms are "taking away our kids' youth". Legislation is expected to be enacted soon.
• Norway is preparing to enforce a age restriction of 15, pointing to the need to safeguard the young from the "influence of the AI".
• The Irish government is working on a digital ID system to authenticate the user details of social media account holders. Authorities have stated that an Australian-model ban could be "a potential options on the table".
• In Spain, the prime minister has asked the legislature to enact a law increasing the minimum age for accessing social media to 16.
• In The French government, the head of state has floated the idea of a ban for children below 15, and a legislative committee has recommended a related move, including an overnight "internet blackout" for adolescents.
• The administration in the Netherlands has recommended families to prevent their children from social media up to the age of 15.

At the EU level, the European parliament has adopted a symbolic statement supporting a ban for teenagers under 16 unless guardian approval is given. Although it warns of the "habit-forming" quality of these apps, the step does not establish binding law.

"A strong age restriction is a good starting point," stated one European lawmaker supporting the resolution.

The United Kingdom: A Watchful Approach

For the United Kingdom, the government has not ruled out a possible ban, emphasizing that "no option is being dismissed" but maintaining any decision must be "supported by strong data".

Previously, interest grew behind a proposal to enact restrictions on social media use by minors, but it was ultimately watered down. However, the administration committed to investigate the issue.

Campaign organizations have voiced apprehensions. One foundation established by the loved ones of a girl who was lost after being exposed to dangerous platform posts argues that a simple age ban could fail to improve online safety and could create a "cliff edge" of risk when young people turn 16.

"The Australian ban is a answer to the inability of the tech sector to design platforms and apps that are safe and fit for minors," commented a influential online safety campaigner.

The United States: A Decentralized Approach

Stateside, action is primarily occurring at the regional level against a backdrop of country-wide inaction.

• The state of Utah mandates guardian permission for minors to use social media and restricts overnight use.
• Florida has enacted a law prohibiting under-14s from creating accounts on social media, though it faces legal challenges.
• Virginia has passed a rule limiting minors to 60 minutes of social media time per day, with extra time dependent on adult consent.
• Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have also enacted measures requiring guardian approval for under-16s to set up social media profiles.

Despite widespread concern and suggestions from some politicians to follow the Australian lead, a federal ban is currently seen as unlikely.

Global Views

Beyond the West, additional countries are likewise considering moves.

• Malaysia aims to restrict social media for teenagers starting from next year.
• Brazil has lifted the minimum age for Instagram to 16.

Yet, global organizations take a more measured tone. Unicef has cautioned that blanket prohibitions have downsides and "might have unintended consequences". The agency notes that the internet can be a "critical link" for vulnerable youth and that bans should not be a "replacement" for social media firms to prioritize user protection.

While this global discussion unfolds, the policies of the Australian government and its followers demonstrate that policymakers around the world are less and less content to stand by for platforms to act voluntarily.