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The Australian bold move to ban social platforms access for those under 16 is sparking debate internationally. Politicians, safety advocates, and families are monitoring with great interest to see if this tactic will set a precedent for the rest of the world.

European Trend

Throughout Europe, a growing chorus of nations are considering similar restrictions.

• Denmark has announced a ban on social media for youth below 15, with the leader arguing that smartphones and networks are "robbing our kids' innocence". Legislation is expected to be formalized in the coming year.
• Norway is set to implement a access barrier of 15, pointing to the need to safeguard young people from the "manipulative force of the algorithms".
• Ireland is developing a online verification tool to confirm the user details of social media account holders. Authorities have suggested that an Australia-style ban is "a potential measures in reserve".
• In Spain, the president has called on lawmakers to pass a law raising the minimum age for using social media to 16.
• In France, the head of state has threatened a ban for under-15s, and a government panel has endorsed a related move, including an overnight "internet blackout" for 15- to 18-year-olds.
• The administration in the Netherlands has urged parents to prevent their children from social media until 15.

At the EU level, the EU parliament has adopted a non-binding motion supporting a ban for minors unless a parent decides otherwise is provided. Even though it warns of the "habit-forming" nature of these platforms, the resolution does not create enforceable legislation.

"An effective age barrier is a solid first step," stated the MEP driving the measure.

The United Kingdom: An Evidence-Based Approach

Across Britain, the government has not ruled out a possible ban, stating that "no option is off the table" but stressing any action must be "grounded in robust data".

Last year, momentum built behind a bill to impose limits on social media use by teenagers, but it was eventually modified. Nonetheless, the government pledged to further research the topic.

Advocacy groups have raised warnings. A prominent charity set up by the relatives of a girl who died after viewing disturbing platform posts contends that a simple age ban could fail to improve online safety and could result in a "sudden drop-off" of harm when users turn 16.

"The Australian ban is a answer to the inability of the social media companies to create tools that are appropriate and suitable for children," commented a prominent online safety campaigner.

America: A Decentralized Approach

Across America, legislation is primarily occurring at the local level due to country-wide inaction.

• Utah requires parental consent for under-18s to use social media and controls nighttime use.
• Florida has enacted a bill barring under-14s from accessing social media, though it faces court battles.
• Virginia has approved a regulation capping under-16s to a single hour of social media access per day, with extra time requiring adult consent.
• Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have likewise passed bills demanding guardian approval for teenagers to open social media profiles.

Even with cross-party agreement and calls from certain individuals to mimic Australia's path, a US-wide ban is right now seen as improbable.

International Outlook

Apart from these regions, further states are likewise exploring options.

• The Malaysian government intends to restrict social media for teenagers beginning next year.
• Brazil has raised the required age for one major platform to 16.

Yet, world agencies adopt a more nuanced stance. A major UN agency has cautioned that social media bans carry risks and "may even have unintended consequences". The organization highlights that social networks can be a "critical link" for marginalized young people and that bans should not be a "replacement" for social media firms to invest in safety.

As this worldwide conversation continues, the steps of Australia and several other countries demonstrate that governments internationally are no longer willing to delay for tech companies to act voluntarily.