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Australia's bold move to prohibit social platforms access for young people below 16 is sparking debate internationally. Officials, safety advocates, and families are observing intently to see if this tactic will set a precedent for other nations.

Across Europe Movement

Across Europe, a increasing chorus of countries are moving toward similar bans.

• Denmark has stated a prohibition on social media for under-15s, with the leader arguing that mobile devices and platforms are "robbing our children's youth". The policy may be enacted next year.
• Norway is preparing to enforce a access barrier of 15, highlighting the need to protect children from the "power of the AI".
• Ireland is working on a digital wallet to confirm the identity and age of social media account holders. Authorities have stated that an similar ban is "a potential tools under consideration".
• In The Spanish government, the president has called on the legislature to pass a bill raising the legal age for using social media to 16.
• In France, the leader has threatened a ban for under-15s, and a legislative committee has endorsed a comparable move, alongside an overnight "internet blackout" for adolescents.
• The government in the Netherlands has urged parents to block their children from social media until 15.

At the EU level, the EU parliament has adopted a advisory motion supporting a ban for teenagers under 16 unless a parent decides otherwise is granted. Although it highlights of the "compulsive" nature of these apps, the move does not enact enforceable legislation.

"A strong age limit is a solid foundation," stated a leading parliamentarian driving the resolution.

Britain: A Cautious Approach

Across Britain, the leadership has not ruled out a future ban, emphasizing that "no option is off the table" but stressing any decision must be "based on robust evidence".

Previously, momentum built behind a bill to impose restrictions on social media use by minors, but it was eventually weakened. However, the government vowed to investigate the topic.

Campaign organizations have expressed warnings. An organization founded by the family of a girl who took her own life after viewing harmful platform posts contends that a strict age ban might not improve online safety and could lead to a "dangerous transition" of exposure when users turn 16.

"Australia's ban is a response to the inability of the Silicon Valley to build tools that are secure and fit for minors," said a prominent child protection advocate.

The United States: A Fragmented Landscape

Across America, legislation is primarily unfolding at the regional level against a backdrop of country-wide stalemate.

• Utah demands parental consent for those under 18 to use social media and controls overnight use.
• Florida has signed a bill barring children under fourteen from accessing social media, though it is subject to constitutional disputes.
• The state of Virginia has approved a law limiting under-16s to 60 minutes of social media access per day, with extra use requiring parental permission.
• Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and Louisiana have likewise introduced measures mandating parental consent for minors to create social media profiles.

Even with widespread concern and calls from certain individuals to follow Australia's lead, a US-wide ban is presently seen as improbable.

International Views

Apart from these regions, additional states are also taking action.

• Malaysia intends to ban social media for those under sixteen starting from next year.
• Brazil has lifted the access age for one major platform to 16.

But, international organizations strike a more cautious tone. Unicef has warned that blanket prohibitions have downsides and "may even prove counterproductive". The organization highlights that the internet can be a "critical link" for isolated young people and that bans should not be a "excuse" for social media firms to prioritize user protection.

While this international debate evolves, the actions of Australia and several other countries show that policymakers around the world are less and less content to stand by for the industry to make changes on their own.