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The Australian decisive action to restrict social platforms access for those under 16 is sparking debate around the globe. Officials, child protection groups, and guardians are watching closely to see if this approach will become a template for the rest of the world.

The European Momentum

In Europe, a growing chorus of countries are exploring similar bans.

• The Danish government plans a prohibition on social media for children under fifteen, with the leader declaring that mobile devices and platforms are "stealing our kids' innocence". Legislation may be formalized next year.
• The Norwegian government is preparing to implement a age restriction of 15, highlighting the need to protect young people from the "manipulative force of the recommendation systems".
• Ireland is working on a digital wallet to authenticate the user details of social media account holders. Authorities have stated that an similar ban could be "a potential measures in reserve".
• In Spain, the prime minister has urged lawmakers to approve a proposal raising the minimum age for accessing social media to 16.
• In The French government, the leader has threatened a ban for under-15s, and a parliamentary commission has recommended a similar move, alongside an overnight "internet blackout" for adolescents.
• The government in the Netherlands has recommended parents to block their youngsters from social media until 15.

For the broader EU, the bloc's legislature has approved a non-binding resolution calling for a ban for minors unless parental consent is provided. While it highlights of the "addictive" design of these apps, the step does not enact binding law.

"An effective age limit is a useful first step," said one MEP behind the initiative.

The United Kingdom: A Watchful Approach

In the UK, the administration has kept open a potential ban, stating that "no measure is off the table" but stressing any action must be "grounded in strong evidence".

Earlier, interest grew behind a legislative effort to introduce limits on social media use by under-16s, but it was eventually watered down. Nonetheless, the administration committed to conduct more studies the matter.

Charities have voiced warnings. One foundation set up by the relatives of a young person who was lost after being exposed to dangerous online content contends that a strict age ban might not improve online safety and could create a "cliff edge" of exposure when young people reach the legal age.

"This ban is a reaction to the refusal of the social media companies to build tools that are secure and suitable for young users," said a influential online safety campaigner.

America: A Decentralized Approach

Stateside, regulation is mostly unfolding at the local level against a backdrop of national stalemate.

• The state of Utah mandates adult approval for minors to use social media and controls nighttime use.
• The state of Florida has enacted a measure banning children under fourteen from accessing social media, though it is entangled in legal challenges.
• The state of Virginia has enacted a law restricting minors to a single hour of social media use per day, with extra access requiring a guardian's okay.
• Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and Louisiana have similarly passed bills demanding parental consent for minors to set up social media profiles.

Even with widespread concern and calls from some politicians to mimic this lead, a US-wide ban is presently seen as unlikely.

Worldwide Perspectives

Apart from the West, further nations are similarly taking action.

• Malaysia plans to prohibit social media for those under sixteen starting from next year.
• Brazil has lifted the required age for Instagram to 16.

But, international agencies adopt a more nuanced stance. A major UN agency has warned that age-based restrictions pose dangers and "could backfire". The body notes that the internet can be a "critical link" for vulnerable children and that regulation should not be a "excuse" for platform operators to improve user protection.

As this worldwide debate unfolds, the policies of the Australian government and its followers show that states around the world are less and less prepared to stand by for the industry to act voluntarily.