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Australia's controversial policy to ban social platforms access for those under 16 is sparking debate internationally. Lawmakers, safety advocates, and guardians are observing with great interest to see if this approach will become a template for countries abroad.

The European Movement

In Europe, a growing number of nations are moving toward parallel restrictions.

• The Danish government has stated a ban on social media for youth below 15, with the leader stating that mobile devices and apps are "stealing our youngsters' youth". The policy may be enacted next year.
• Norway is planning to enforce a access barrier of 15, pointing to the need to shield children from the "influence of the recommendation systems".
• The Irish government is introducing a digital wallet to verify the age and identity of social media users. The media minister have indicated that an similar ban remains "a potential options under consideration".
• In The Spanish government, the president has urged the legislature to approve a law lifting the legal age for accessing social media to 16.
• In The French government, the president has proposed a ban for those under fifteen, and a legislative committee has recommended a related action, potentially involving an overnight "digital curfew" for older teenagers.
• The administration in The Dutch government has urged guardians to prevent their youngsters from social media up to the age of 15.

For the broader EU, the bloc's legislature has passed a advisory motion demanding a ban for under-16s unless guardian approval is granted. While it highlights of the "habit-forming" nature of these platforms, the resolution does not enact enforceable legislation.

"A strong age barrier is a solid starting point," commented one European lawmaker behind the initiative.

Britain: A Cautious Stance

For the United Kingdom, the government has remained open to a potential ban, stating that "nothing is off the table" but maintaining any decision must be "based on strong research".

Last year, interest built behind a proposal to enact restrictions on social media use by minors, but it was ultimately weakened. Instead, the government vowed to further research the matter.

Charities have raised concerns. An organization established by the family of a girl who took her own life after encountering disturbing social media material suggests that a blanket age ban could fail to improve online safety and could lead to a "sudden drop-off" of risk when users become eligible.

"Australia's ban is a answer to the refusal of the Silicon Valley to create products and services that are safe and fit for young users," stated a influential peer.

The US: A State-by-State Picture

Stateside, legislation is mostly unfolding at the regional level due to federal gridlock.

• Utah requires adult approval for those under 18 to use social media and controls overnight use.
• Florida has enacted a law banning children under fourteen from joining social media, though it faces court battles.
• The state of Virginia has approved a law limiting under-16s to a single hour of social media time per day, with additional use needing a guardian's okay.
• The state of Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and Louisiana have also enacted laws requiring guardian approval for under-16s to create social media presences.

Despite widespread concern and proposals from some figures to follow the Australian path, a nationwide ban is right now seen as unlikely.

Worldwide Perspectives

Outside of Europe and the US, other states are likewise considering moves.

• The Malaysian government aims to restrict social media for teenagers beginning next year.
• Brazil has lifted the access age for one major platform to 16.

However, world agencies adopt a more cautious stance. The UN children's agency has warned that social media bans pose dangers and "might have unintended consequences". The body notes that the internet can be a "lifeline" for vulnerable youth and that regulation should not be a "excuse" for tech companies to invest in safety.

As this global discussion evolves, the actions of Australia and others indicate that states internationally are increasingly content to delay for tech companies to act voluntarily.