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Australia's controversial policy to prohibit social platforms access for individuals under sixteen is sparking debate internationally. Lawmakers, child protection groups, and parents are observing intently to see if this strategy will inspire imitation for the rest of the world.

European Trend

In Europe, a rising number of nations are considering comparable restrictions.

• Denmark plans a restriction on social media for under-15s, with the PM declaring that mobile devices and apps are "taking away our youngsters' innocence". A law may be passed in the coming year.
• Norway is planning to implement a minimum age limit of 15, highlighting the need to shield children from the "power of the AI".
• Ireland is developing a digital ID system to authenticate the user details of social media participants. Authorities have suggested that an Australia-style ban remains "an measures on the table".
• In The Spanish government, the leader has asked parliament to pass a law lifting the access age for using social media to 16.
• In The French government, the head of state has threatened a ban for under-15s, and a government panel has endorsed a similar action, alongside an overnight "digital curfew" for adolescents.
• The administration in the Netherlands has recommended parents to restrict their youngsters from social media until 15.

For the broader EU, the EU parliament has passed a symbolic motion supporting a ban for minors without guardian approval is given. Even though it cautions of the "compulsive" design of these apps, the move does not create mandatory rules.

"A strong age limit is a useful first step," stated a leading MEP driving the initiative.

The UK: An Evidence-Based Stance

In the UK, the leadership has not ruled out a potential ban, arguing that "nothing is discarded" but maintaining any action must be "grounded in strong evidence".

Previously, support built behind a proposal to impose restrictions on social media use by minors, but it was eventually weakened. Instead, the administration committed to further research the matter.

Advocacy groups have voiced apprehensions. An organization established by the family of a young person who took her own life after viewing disturbing online content contends that a strict age ban could fail to protect children and could lead to a "dangerous transition" of harm when users reach the legal age.

"This ban is a answer to the refusal of the social media companies to create products and services that are safe and age appropriate for young users," stated a leading online safety campaigner.

America: A State-by-State Landscape

Stateside, action is largely occurring at the state level due to country-wide gridlock.

• The state of Utah demands guardian permission for those under 18 to use social media and limits late-night use.
• Florida has signed a bill banning those below 14 from accessing social media, though it faces court battles.
• Virginia has approved a rule restricting teenagers to a single hour of social media access per day, with any further time needing adult consent.
• The state of Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have likewise enacted laws demanding guardian approval for teenagers to set up social media accounts.

Despite bipartisan support and suggestions from certain individuals to mimic this lead, a federal ban is currently seen as improbable.

International Outlook

Outside of these regions, further states are also exploring options.

• Malaysia plans to prohibit social media for under-16s effective next year.
• The Brazilian authorities has lifted the minimum age for one major platform to 16.

But, world agencies adopt a more measured position. Unicef has warned that blanket prohibitions pose dangers and "could have unintended consequences". The organization highlights that online platforms can be a "lifeline" for vulnerable youth and that regulation should not be a "substitute" for tech companies to prioritize child safeguards.

As this worldwide debate continues, the policies of Australia and others demonstrate that governments internationally are less and less content to stand by for tech companies to make changes on their own.