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Australia's controversial policy to restrict social platforms access for individuals under sixteen is sparking debate around the globe. Politicians, safety advocates, and guardians are monitoring with great interest to see if this strategy will set a precedent for the rest of the world.

European Movement

Throughout Europe, a increasing number of countries are exploring comparable bans.

• Denmark has announced a prohibition on social media for under-15s, with the prime minister stating that mobile devices and networks are "stealing our children's innocence". The policy is expected to be passed in the coming year.
• The Norwegian government is preparing to introduce a access barrier of 15, highlighting the need to shield young people from the "power of the algorithms".
• Ireland is developing a digital ID system to authenticate the user details of social media account holders. Authorities have suggested that an Australian-model ban could be "one of the tools on the table".
• In The Spanish government, the leader has urged parliament to pass a law increasing the minimum age for accessing social media to 16.
• In France, the head of state has proposed a ban for those under fifteen, and a parliamentary commission has recommended a related action, including an overnight "digital curfew" for older teenagers.
• The administration in the Netherlands has urged guardians to restrict their youngsters from social media before 15.

Across the European Union, the bloc's legislature has passed a advisory statement supporting a ban for under-16s except if guardian approval is granted. Although it warns of the "addictive" quality of these services, the move does not establish mandatory rules.

"A clear age limit is a useful first step," stated a leading MEP driving the measure.

The UK: A Cautious Stance

In the UK, the administration has remained open to a potential ban, stating that "no option is being dismissed" but insisting any action must be "based on strong evidence".

Last year, support built behind a proposal to impose controls on social media use by teenagers, but it was eventually modified. However, the administration vowed to conduct more studies the topic.

Advocacy groups have raised concerns. A prominent charity set up by the family of a teenager who was lost after being exposed to harmful social media material contends that a blanket age ban could fail to improve online safety and could result in a "dangerous transition" of harm when users become eligible.

"This ban is a reaction to the refusal of the social media companies to design tools that are appropriate and suitable for minors," commented a prominent child protection advocate.

The US: A State-by-State Landscape

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

• Utah mandates adult approval for minors to use social media and controls overnight use.
• Florida has enacted a bill prohibiting those below 14 from joining social media, though it is entangled in court battles.
• Virginia has enacted a rule capping teenagers to 60 minutes of social media access per day, with additional use requiring adult consent.
• The state of Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and Louisiana have likewise introduced bills requiring adult authorization for under-16s to create social media profiles.

Despite widespread concern and calls from certain politicians to copy Australia's example, a US-wide ban is right now seen as improbable.

International Perspectives

Outside of these regions, further countries are similarly considering moves.

• Malaysia aims to restrict social media for teenagers starting from next year.
• Brazil has raised the minimum age for Instagram to 16.

However, global agencies strike a more cautious stance. The UN children's agency has warned that social media bans have downsides and "might backfire". The agency highlights that online platforms can be a "critical link" for isolated young people and that regulation should not be a "substitute" for social media firms to invest in safety.

As this global conversation continues, the actions of Australia and several other countries indicate that policymakers globally are less and less content to stand by for the industry to make changes on their own.