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The nation's decisive move to ban social platforms access for those under 16 is sparking debate worldwide. Officials, campaigners, and parents are observing intently to see if this approach will become a template for countries abroad.

European Movement

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

• Denmark has announced a ban on social media for children under fifteen, with the PM arguing that mobile devices and apps are "taking away our youngsters' innocence". Legislation is expected to be formalized in the coming year.
• Norway is preparing to introduce a minimum age limit of 15, pointing to the need to safeguard young people from the "manipulative force of the AI".
• Ireland is developing a online verification tool to verify the age and identity of social media account holders. Officials have suggested that an similar ban could be "an tools in reserve".
• In Spain, the leader has urged lawmakers to pass a proposal increasing the legal age for accessing social media to 16.
• In The French government, the president has floated the idea of a ban for those under fifteen, and a legislative committee has suggested a comparable move, potentially involving an overnight "internet blackout" for 15- to 18-year-olds.
• The government in The Dutch government has recommended families to block their kids from social media until 15.

Across the European Union, the bloc's legislature has adopted a symbolic resolution supporting a ban for teenagers under 16 except if a parent decides otherwise is given. Although it cautions of the "addictive" design of these services, the resolution does not establish mandatory rules.

"A clear age restriction is a good starting point," said one European lawmaker supporting the initiative.

The United Kingdom: A Cautious Approach

Across Britain, the government has kept open a potential ban, emphasizing that "nothing is being dismissed" but stressing any decision must be "based on conclusive data".

Last year, interest gathered behind a legislative effort to introduce limits on social media use by teenagers, but it was in the end weakened. Instead, the administration committed to investigate the issue.

Advocacy groups have voiced apprehensions. An organization founded by the loved ones of a girl who took her own life after viewing harmful online content argues that a simple age ban may not make platforms safer and could lead to a "dangerous transition" of harm when teens reach the legal age.

"This ban is a reaction to the failure of the social media companies to design products and services that are appropriate and fit for young users," said a leading online safety campaigner.

The United States: A Fragmented Approach

In the United States, regulation is primarily unfolding at the state government level against a backdrop of country-wide inaction.

• Utah mandates adult approval for those under 18 to use social media and restricts overnight use.
• Florida has passed a bill barring under-14s from accessing social media, though it is entangled in court battles.
• Virginia has enacted a rule limiting minors to one hour of social media time per day, with any further access requiring adult consent.
• Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and Louisiana have similarly passed bills mandating adult authorization for minors to open social media profiles.

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

Worldwide Views

Apart from Europe and the US, other nations are also exploring options.

• The Malaysian government plans to prohibit social media for under-16s beginning next year.
• Brazil has raised the minimum age for Instagram to 16.

But, global organizations take a more nuanced position. The UN children's agency has cautioned that blanket prohibitions carry risks and "could have unintended consequences". The organization highlights that online platforms can be a "lifeline" for isolated youth and that government action should not be a "excuse" for platform operators to invest in user protection.

As this international discussion continues, the actions of the Australian government and several other countries show that policymakers around the world are increasingly willing to delay for platforms to act voluntarily.