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The Australian controversial policy to ban social platforms access for individuals under sixteen is sparking debate worldwide. Officials, safety advocates, and parents are monitoring closely to see if this approach will inspire imitation for the rest of the world.

The European Trend

Across Europe, a growing group of states are exploring similar bans.

• The Danish government plans a restriction on social media for under-15s, with the prime minister declaring that mobile devices and apps are "taking away our children's innocence". The policy is expected to be enacted next year.
• The Norwegian government is preparing to introduce a minimum age limit of 15, highlighting the need to shield the young from the "power of the algorithms".
• Ireland is working on a online verification tool to authenticate the user details of social media participants. The media minister have stated that an Australian-model ban remains "an tools on the table".
• In The Spanish government, the leader has asked lawmakers to approve a bill increasing the minimum age for using social media to 16.
• In The French government, the leader has proposed a ban for children below 15, and a legislative committee has suggested a comparable action, including an overnight "digital curfew" for older teenagers.
• The administration in the Netherlands has recommended parents to restrict their children from social media before 15.

At the EU level, the bloc's legislature has adopted a advisory resolution supporting a ban for minors unless a parent decides otherwise is given. Even though it highlights of the "addictive" quality of these platforms, the step does not establish enforceable legislation.

"A clear age restriction is a solid starting point," said the parliamentarian behind the initiative.

The UK: An Evidence-Based Stance

For the United Kingdom, the leadership has not ruled out a potential ban, arguing that "no option is being dismissed" but insisting any action must be "supported by strong evidence".

Previously, support gathered behind a bill to impose controls on social media use by teenagers, but it was ultimately watered down. Nonetheless, the government committed to investigate the issue.

Charities have raised warnings. An organization founded by the family of a teenager who died after being exposed to harmful online content suggests that a strict age ban could fail to improve online safety and could create a "cliff edge" of risk when users reach the legal age.

"The Australian ban is a response to the inability of the social media companies to create tools that are secure and suitable for children," stated a leading peer.

The United States: A Fragmented Landscape

Across America, legislation is largely occurring at the regional level amid national inaction.

• The state of Utah requires parental consent for under-18s to use social media and restricts overnight use.
• Florida has signed a law barring those below 14 from joining social media, though it is subject to court battles.
• Virginia has approved a rule limiting under-16s to one hour of social media access per day, with extra access requiring a guardian's okay.
• Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and The state of Louisiana have likewise passed laws mandating guardian approval for teenagers to open social media accounts.

Despite widespread concern and suggestions from certain politicians to mimic Australia's lead, a US-wide ban is currently seen as a distant prospect.

Global Outlook

Beyond the West, other states are likewise exploring options.

• Malaysia intends to ban social media for those under sixteen beginning next year.
• Brazil has increased the minimum age for the platform Instagram to 16.

But, world organizations strike a more nuanced stance. Unicef has warned that social media bans carry risks and "might have unintended consequences". The agency notes that the internet can be a "critical link" for isolated children and that bans should not be a "substitute" for social media firms to invest in user protection.

Even as this worldwide discussion evolves, the steps of Australia and others show that states internationally are less and less willing to wait for the industry to self-regulate.