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The Australian decisive action to prohibit social platforms access for those under 16 is sparking debate internationally. Lawmakers, child protection groups, and parents are watching intently to see if this tactic will inspire imitation for other nations.

Across Europe Trend

In Europe, a rising group of countries are moving toward comparable bans.

• Denmark plans a ban on social media for children under fifteen, with the prime minister stating that smartphones and apps are "robbing our kids' innocence". Legislation is expected to be enacted soon.
• Norway is preparing to enforce a minimum age limit of 15, pointing to the need to safeguard children from the "power of the AI".
• The Irish government is working on a digital ID system to confirm the identity and age of social media account holders. The media minister have indicated that an Australian-model ban remains "a potential options under consideration".
• In The Spanish government, the leader has asked the legislature to enact a law raising the access age for using social media to 16.
• In France, the president has threatened a ban for under-15s, and a legislative committee has suggested a related step, including an overnight "internet blackout" for 15- to 18-year-olds.
• The administration in The Netherlands has recommended guardians to prevent their youngsters from social media until 15.

At the EU level, the EU parliament has passed a symbolic motion demanding a ban for under-16s unless a parent decides otherwise is given. Although it cautions of the "compulsive" quality of these platforms, the step does not create mandatory rules.

"An effective age barrier is a solid starting point," said a leading parliamentarian supporting the initiative.

Britain: An Evidence-Based Approach

For the United Kingdom, the leadership has remained open to a possible ban, stating that "no option is discarded" but stressing any policy must be "supported by robust evidence".

Earlier, support gathered behind a bill to enact limits on social media use by teenagers, but it was in the end modified. Instead, the government pledged to conduct more studies the matter.

Charities have voiced apprehensions. A prominent charity established by the family of a teenager who took her own life after viewing dangerous platform posts contends that a simple age ban could fail to make platforms safer and could create a "cliff edge" of exposure when young people become eligible.

"Australia's ban is a answer to the failure of the social media companies to create tools that are secure and age appropriate for young users," said a prominent online safety campaigner.

America: A Fragmented Landscape

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

• The state of Utah requires parental consent for under-18s to use social media and restricts nighttime use.
• The state of Florida has signed a bill barring those below 14 from accessing social media, though it faces court battles.
• Virginia has passed a rule limiting minors to a single hour of social media time per day, with any further time requiring a guardian's okay.
• Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and The state of Louisiana have similarly enacted measures demanding adult authorization for under-16s to create social media presences.

Even with bipartisan support and suggestions from some politicians to copy this lead, a federal ban is presently seen as improbable.

Global Outlook

Beyond these regions, further countries are similarly exploring options.

• Malaysia plans to ban social media for under-16s starting from next year.
• Brazil has increased the minimum age for the platform Instagram to 16.

However, global agencies strike a more cautious position. The UN children's agency has advised that social media bans carry risks and "may even have unintended consequences". The agency points out that social networks can be a "critical link" for marginalized children and that bans should not be a "substitute" for platform operators to invest in safety.

As this global debate continues, the actions of this nation and its followers indicate that policymakers globally are less and less prepared to delay for the industry to make changes on their own.