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The Australian controversial policy to prohibit social platforms access for individuals under sixteen is sparking debate worldwide. Officials, child protection groups, and families are watching with great interest to see if this strategy will inspire imitation for the rest of the world.

The European Momentum

Across Europe, a increasing group of nations are moving toward parallel bans.

• Denmark has stated a prohibition on social media for children under fifteen, with the leader declaring that phones and networks are "robbing our children's innocence". Legislation may be passed next year.
• The Norwegian government is planning to introduce a minimum age limit of 15, citing the need to safeguard young people from the "influence of the recommendation systems".
• Ireland is introducing a digital ID system to confirm the age and identity of social media participants. Authorities have stated that an Australian-model ban could be "an options under consideration".
• In Spain, the leader has asked lawmakers to approve a law raising the legal age for joining social media to 16.
• In France, the head of state has floated the idea of a ban for under-15s, and a legislative committee has suggested a related step, potentially involving an overnight "digital curfew" for adolescents.
• The administration in The Netherlands has urged parents to prevent their kids from social media until 15.

For the broader EU, the European parliament has adopted a advisory resolution calling for a ban for teenagers under 16 without guardian approval is granted. Even though it highlights of the "compulsive" nature of these apps, the resolution does not establish enforceable legislation.

"A strong age restriction is a useful foundation," said one MEP behind the measure.

The UK: A Cautious Approach

In the UK, the administration has not ruled out a potential ban, arguing that "nothing is being dismissed" but stressing any action must be "grounded in robust data".

Last year, support gathered behind a proposal to introduce controls on social media use by under-16s, but it was in the end modified. Nonetheless, the government vowed to investigate the issue.

Campaign organizations have expressed concerns. A prominent charity established by the relatives of a young person who died after viewing dangerous online content argues that a blanket age ban could fail to protect children and could result in a "cliff edge" of exposure when young people become eligible.

"Australia's ban is a answer to the inability of the social media companies to design platforms and apps that are safe and suitable for children," stated a influential child protection advocate.

The US: A State-by-State Picture

Across America, regulation is mostly occurring at the regional level against a backdrop of country-wide stalemate.

• Utah requires parental consent for those under 18 to use social media and limits nighttime use.
• The state of Florida has passed a measure barring those below 14 from accessing social media, though it is entangled in court battles.
• The state of Virginia has approved a rule limiting under-16s to one hour of social media access per day, with additional time requiring a guardian's okay.
• The state of Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have similarly introduced bills requiring parental consent for minors to set up social media profiles.

Even with bipartisan support and calls from certain individuals to mimic Australia's lead, a nationwide ban is right now seen as improbable.

Global Views

Beyond Europe and the US, additional nations are also exploring options.

• The Malaysian government intends to restrict social media for under-16s beginning next year.
• Brazil has increased the access age for Instagram to 16.

Yet, international organizations strike a more cautious stance. Unicef has advised that age-based restrictions have downsides and "could prove counterproductive". The agency highlights that online platforms can be a "lifeline" for isolated young people and that bans should not be a "substitute" for platform operators to improve user protection.

While this worldwide debate evolves, the policies of the Australian government and others show that states globally are no longer content to wait for the industry to make changes on their own.