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Australia's decisive action to ban social platforms access for young people below 16 is sparking debate internationally. Politicians, safety advocates, and families are watching closely to see if this strategy will set a precedent for other nations.

The European Momentum

In Europe, a rising number of states are moving toward similar measures.

• Denmark has announced a restriction on social media for youth below 15, with the PM stating that phones and platforms are "stealing our kids' youth". The policy could be formalized in the coming year.
• The Norwegian government is preparing to enforce a minimum age limit of 15, citing the need to shield young people from the "manipulative force of the AI".
• Ireland is developing a digital ID system to confirm the age and identity of social media participants. The media minister have suggested that an Australian-model ban could be "an options under consideration".
• In Spain, the leader has asked lawmakers to enact a proposal increasing the minimum age for accessing social media to 16.
• In The French government, the leader has floated the idea of a ban for children below 15, and a government panel has recommended a related move, including an overnight "internet blackout" for older teenagers.
• The authorities in the Netherlands has urged families to prevent their youngsters from social media up to the age of 15.

Across the European Union, the bloc's legislature has passed a advisory motion supporting a ban for under-16s unless parental consent is given. Even though it warns of the "addictive" design of these services, the resolution does not establish binding law.

"An effective age restriction is a good starting point," stated the European lawmaker behind the measure.

The UK: An Evidence-Based Stance

For the United Kingdom, the leadership has kept open a potential ban, arguing that "no option is being dismissed" but maintaining any policy must be "supported by strong data".

Last year, support grew behind a proposal to enact limits on social media use by minors, but it was ultimately weakened. However, the government pledged to further research the matter.

Campaign organizations have expressed apprehensions. A prominent charity set up by the family of a girl who took her own life after encountering harmful social media material argues that a blanket age ban could fail to make platforms safer and could create a "cliff edge" of risk when teens reach the legal age.

"This ban is a response to the refusal of the Silicon Valley to build tools that are safe and fit for children," commented a leading online safety campaigner.

The US: A Decentralized Picture

In the United States, regulation is primarily occurring at the local government level due to national inaction.

• Utah requires adult approval for minors to use social media and controls nighttime use.
• The state of Florida has passed a bill banning those below 14 from creating accounts on social media, though it is entangled in constitutional disputes.
• The state of Virginia has enacted a rule limiting under-16s to one hour of social media time per day, with extra access needing parental permission.
• Georgia, Tennessee, and The state of Louisiana have similarly enacted laws mandating parental consent for teenagers to open social media profiles.

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

Global Views

Outside of the West, additional countries are similarly exploring options.

• Malaysia plans to ban social media for those under sixteen starting from next year.
• The Brazilian authorities has lifted the required age for Instagram to 16.

However, global bodies strike a more cautious position. A major UN agency has cautioned that social media bans carry risks and "may even have unintended consequences". The organization highlights that online platforms can be a "vital connection" for isolated children and that regulation should not be a "excuse" for platform operators to improve child safeguards.

Even as this worldwide discussion evolves, the steps of Australia and others indicate that policymakers globally are less and less content to delay for tech companies to self-regulate.