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The nation's bold policy to ban social platforms access for young people below 16 is sparking debate around the globe. Officials, child protection groups, and families are monitoring with great interest to see if this tactic will set a precedent for other nations.

Across Europe Trend

Across Europe, a increasing group of countries are exploring similar bans.

• The Danish government has stated a restriction on social media for under-15s, with the PM declaring that mobile devices and platforms are "robbing our kids' childhood". The policy may be formalized in the coming year.
• Norway is planning to implement a access barrier of 15, pointing to the need to shield children from the "influence of the algorithms".
• The Irish government is developing a digital ID system to confirm the identity and age of social media participants. Officials have suggested that an Australian-model ban could be "one of the tools in reserve".
• In Spain, the leader has asked lawmakers to enact a law increasing the access age for accessing social media to 16.
• In France, the president has threatened a ban for under-15s, and a government panel has endorsed a related step, alongside an overnight "internet blackout" for 15- to 18-year-olds.
• The authorities in The Netherlands has advised parents to prevent their youngsters from social media before 15.

Across the European Union, the EU parliament has passed a advisory resolution calling for a ban for minors without parental consent is given. While it warns of the "compulsive" design of these services, the move does not establish binding law.

"An effective age limit is a good first step," said a leading MEP behind the measure.

The UK: An Evidence-Based Eye

For the United Kingdom, the administration has not ruled out a future ban, arguing that "no measure is discarded" but insisting any action must be "grounded in conclusive evidence".

Last year, interest built behind a proposal to introduce controls on social media use by minors, but it was in the end weakened. Instead, the administration vowed to conduct more studies the topic.

Advocacy groups have voiced concerns. An organization set up by the relatives of a young person who took her own life after viewing disturbing platform posts contends that a simple age ban could fail to improve online safety and could result in a "cliff edge" of risk when users become eligible.

"This ban is a answer to the refusal of the tech sector to create platforms and apps that are secure and fit for children," stated a leading online safety campaigner.

The US: A Fragmented Picture

Across America, legislation is primarily unfolding at the local government level due to federal gridlock.

• The state of Utah demands parental consent for minors to use social media and limits nighttime use.
• The state of Florida has signed a bill barring under-14s from joining social media, though it is subject to constitutional disputes.
• Virginia has passed a rule capping teenagers to one hour of social media use per day, with additional access needing parental permission.
• The state of Georgia, Tennessee, and The state of Louisiana have also enacted bills mandating parental consent for minors to open social media accounts.

Even with cross-party agreement and proposals from some figures to follow the Australian example, a nationwide ban is right now seen as a distant prospect.

Global Views

Outside of these regions, additional countries are also exploring options.

• Malaysia intends to prohibit social media for teenagers starting from next year.
• The Brazilian authorities has raised the required age for Instagram to 16.

Yet, world organizations strike a more cautious stance. A major UN agency has advised that blanket prohibitions pose dangers and "could backfire". The organization notes that the internet can be a "critical link" for vulnerable children and that bans should not be a "substitute" for social media firms to invest in safety.

Even as this worldwide debate evolves, the policies of Australia and others show that states internationally are less and less prepared to wait for the industry to act voluntarily.