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The Australian bold move to prohibit social platforms access for young people below 16 is sparking debate worldwide. Politicians, child protection groups, and families are watching intently to see if this approach will inspire imitation for countries abroad.

European Movement

Throughout Europe, a growing group of countries are moving toward similar restrictions.

• Denmark has announced a restriction on social media for youth below 15, with the PM declaring that phones and platforms are "taking away our youngsters' youth". A law could be formalized next year.
• Norway is planning to implement a access barrier of 15, highlighting the need to safeguard children from the "power of the algorithms".
• The Irish government is introducing a digital ID system to authenticate the age and identity of social media account holders. Authorities have stated that an Australian-model ban remains "a potential measures under consideration".
• In Spain, the prime minister has urged lawmakers to enact a law lifting the minimum age for joining social media to 16.
• In France, the head of state has proposed a ban for those under fifteen, and a government panel has recommended a similar action, alongside an overnight "internet blackout" for 15- to 18-year-olds.
• The administration in the Netherlands has advised guardians to prevent their kids from social media up to the age of 15.

At the EU level, the European parliament has passed a advisory statement supporting a ban for minors except if a parent decides otherwise is provided. Even though it highlights of the "addictive" nature of these apps, the move does not enact mandatory rules.

"A clear age barrier is a useful first step," commented one parliamentarian supporting the resolution.

The United Kingdom: An Evidence-Based Approach

For the United Kingdom, the government has remained open to a potential ban, emphasizing that "no measure is off the table" but maintaining any policy must be "supported by strong evidence".

Earlier, support built behind a bill to impose limits on social media use by teenagers, but it was eventually watered down. However, the administration vowed to conduct more studies the matter.

Advocacy groups have voiced apprehensions. An organization established by the loved ones of a young person who was lost after viewing dangerous social media material argues that a simple age ban may not make platforms safer and could lead to a "cliff edge" of harm when young people reach the legal age.

"Australia's ban is a reaction to the inability of the tech sector to design tools that are secure and suitable for minors," commented a prominent child protection advocate.

America: A Decentralized Approach

Across America, legislation is primarily happening at the state government level amid national inaction.

• Utah demands adult approval for under-18s to use social media and restricts nighttime use.
• The state of Florida has enacted a measure prohibiting under-14s from accessing social media, though it is subject to court battles.
• Virginia has enacted a law capping under-16s to a single hour of social media time per day, with any further access needing a guardian's okay.
• Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and The state of Louisiana have also enacted measures demanding adult authorization for teenagers to create social media profiles.

Even with widespread concern and calls from various figures to copy the Australian path, a federal ban is presently seen as a distant prospect.

International Views

Outside of the West, further states are also considering moves.

• Malaysia plans to ban social media for teenagers starting from next year.
• Brazil has increased the required age for one major platform to 16.

Yet, international organizations adopt a more nuanced tone. The UN children's agency has advised that age-based restrictions pose dangers and "could backfire". The agency points out that social networks can be a "critical link" for vulnerable children and that bans should not be a "excuse" for social media firms to prioritize safety.

While this global conversation continues, the steps of the Australian government and its followers demonstrate that governments internationally are less and less prepared to wait for the industry to make changes on their own.