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Australia's controversial policy to restrict social platforms access for those under 16 is sparking debate internationally. Officials, child protection groups, and parents are watching closely to see if this approach will set a precedent for the rest of the world.

European Movement

In Europe, a rising chorus of nations are considering similar restrictions.

• Denmark has stated a restriction on social media for under-15s, with the PM stating that smartphones and platforms are "taking away our youngsters' innocence". Legislation may be enacted in the coming year.
• Norway is planning to implement a access barrier of 15, citing the need to protect children from the "manipulative force of the AI".
• Ireland is developing a digital wallet to authenticate the user details of social media users. Officials have suggested that an Australian-model ban is "one of the tools under consideration".
• In Spain, the president has asked the legislature to pass a bill increasing the legal 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 government panel has endorsed a comparable move, including an overnight "digital curfew" for older teenagers.
• The authorities in The Dutch government has advised guardians to prevent their kids from social media before 15.

For the broader EU, the European parliament has passed a symbolic resolution supporting a ban for minors except if a parent decides otherwise is given. Even though it highlights of the "compulsive" quality of these apps, the step does not establish mandatory rules.

"A strong age barrier is a solid first step," commented the MEP supporting the measure.

Britain: A Cautious Approach

Across Britain, the leadership has not ruled out a potential ban, stating that "nothing is off the table" but insisting any action must be "grounded in strong evidence".

Earlier, support built behind a legislative effort to enact restrictions on social media use by minors, but it was ultimately watered down. Instead, the administration committed to further research the topic.

Advocacy groups have expressed apprehensions. One foundation set up by the relatives of a young person who was lost after encountering harmful social media material argues that a blanket age ban could fail to improve online safety and could lead to a "cliff edge" of harm when teens reach the legal age.

"Australia's ban is a answer to the refusal of the tech sector to design platforms and apps that are appropriate and suitable for young users," commented a influential child protection advocate.

The United States: A Decentralized Approach

Across America, action is largely unfolding at the local level against a backdrop of national stalemate.

• Utah demands adult approval for those under 18 to use social media and restricts late-night use.
• The state of Florida has passed a bill barring under-14s from joining social media, though it faces constitutional disputes.
• Virginia has enacted a law limiting minors to one hour of social media time per day, with extra use dependent on adult consent.
• Georgia, Tennessee, and The state of Louisiana have similarly passed bills mandating parental consent for teenagers to open social media accounts.

Even with bipartisan support and calls from some politicians to follow Australia's path, a US-wide ban is right now seen as improbable.

Worldwide Views

Apart from Europe and the US, additional nations are similarly exploring options.

• The Malaysian government intends to restrict social media for teenagers effective next year.
• Brazil has lifted the minimum age for Instagram to 16.

Yet, international agencies take a more cautious position. A major UN agency has advised that blanket prohibitions have downsides and "might prove counterproductive". The organization points out that online platforms can be a "lifeline" for marginalized young people and that regulation should not be a "substitute" for social media firms to prioritize user protection.

While this global discussion unfolds, the policies of Australia and its followers show that states around the world are less and less content to stand by for the industry to act voluntarily.