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The Australian controversial action to restrict social platforms access for those under 16 is sparking debate internationally. Lawmakers, child protection groups, and guardians are monitoring closely to see if this approach will become a template for other nations.

European Movement

Across Europe, a growing chorus of states are moving toward parallel restrictions.

• Denmark has announced a prohibition on social media for under-15s, with the leader arguing that mobile devices and platforms are "taking away our children's youth". A law may be enacted in the coming year.
• Norway is planning to implement a access barrier of 15, pointing to the need to safeguard the young from the "power of the AI".
• The Irish government is introducing a online verification tool to verify the user details of social media users. Authorities have stated that an Australian-model ban is "an tools on the table".
• In The Spanish government, the prime minister has called on parliament to enact a proposal increasing the minimum age for accessing social media to 16.
• In France, the president has proposed a ban for those under fifteen, and a legislative committee has recommended a similar action, potentially involving an overnight "screen time restriction" for older teenagers.
• The administration in The Dutch government has urged families to block their kids from social media until 15.

Across the European Union, the EU parliament has adopted a non-binding motion demanding a ban for minors except if parental consent is given. Even though it highlights of the "addictive" quality of these services, the step does not establish mandatory rules.

"An effective age restriction is a useful first step," commented the European lawmaker behind the initiative.

The United Kingdom: An Evidence-Based Stance

For the United Kingdom, the leadership has remained open to a future ban, emphasizing that "nothing is being dismissed" but insisting any decision must be "supported by strong research".

Earlier, support gathered behind a proposal to introduce controls on social media use by minors, but it was eventually watered down. However, the administration pledged to investigate the issue.

Campaign organizations have expressed warnings. A prominent charity set up by the family of a girl who died after being exposed to disturbing online content contends that a strict age ban could fail to improve online safety and could create a "cliff edge" of harm when users reach the legal age.

"This ban is a answer to the failure of the social media companies to build tools that are safe and fit for minors," said a influential child protection advocate.

America: A State-by-State Approach

Stateside, action is mostly happening at the state level against a backdrop of federal inaction.

• Utah demands guardian permission for those under 18 to use social media and restricts overnight use.
• Florida has signed a law prohibiting under-14s from creating accounts on social media, though it is entangled in constitutional disputes.
• The state of Virginia has approved a rule limiting minors to one hour of social media time per day, with any further access needing a guardian's okay.
• Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have likewise enacted bills mandating adult authorization for teenagers to open social media profiles.

Despite cross-party agreement and proposals from certain individuals to copy Australia's path, a US-wide ban is presently seen as improbable.

International Perspectives

Apart from the West, further countries are similarly considering moves.

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

However, international agencies adopt a more measured stance. A major UN agency has warned that blanket prohibitions carry risks and "might prove counterproductive". The body highlights that online platforms can be a "vital connection" for vulnerable children and that regulation should not be a "substitute" for social media firms to invest in safety.

Even as this global debate continues, the steps of the Australian government and others indicate that policymakers globally are increasingly willing to stand by for the industry to act voluntarily.