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Australia's controversial move to prohibit social platforms access for individuals under sixteen is sparking debate around the globe. Officials, campaigners, and guardians are observing with great interest to see if this approach will inspire imitation for the rest of the world.

Across Europe Movement

In Europe, a rising number of states are moving toward parallel measures.

• Denmark plans a prohibition on social media for youth below 15, with the PM arguing that mobile devices and apps are "stealing our children's childhood". A law may be passed in the coming year.
• Norway is preparing to introduce a age restriction of 15, pointing to the need to safeguard young people from the "manipulative force of the recommendation systems".
• The Irish government is introducing a online verification tool to verify the age and identity of social media account holders. Authorities have stated that an Australian-model ban remains "one of the tools on the table".
• In The Spanish government, the leader has called on lawmakers to enact a law raising the minimum age for joining social media to 16.
• In France, the president has proposed a ban for those under fifteen, and a parliamentary commission has recommended a similar action, potentially involving an overnight "internet blackout" for 15- to 18-year-olds.
• The authorities in The Dutch government has recommended guardians to restrict their youngsters from social media up to the age of 15.

At the EU level, the EU parliament has passed a symbolic resolution demanding a ban for teenagers under 16 unless a parent decides otherwise is granted. While it cautions of the "compulsive" nature of these services, the move does not enact mandatory rules.

"A clear age barrier is a good foundation," commented a leading MEP behind the measure.

The UK: A Watchful Approach

For the United Kingdom, the leadership has kept open a potential ban, emphasizing that "nothing is discarded" but maintaining any action must be "grounded in strong research".

Previously, momentum grew behind a proposal to enact controls on social media use by teenagers, but it was ultimately weakened. Nonetheless, the administration vowed to investigate the topic.

Advocacy groups have raised warnings. One foundation established by the loved ones of a girl who took her own life after encountering harmful platform posts contends that a blanket age ban could fail to make platforms safer and could lead to a "cliff edge" of harm when young people become eligible.

"This ban is a answer to the refusal of the tech sector to create tools that are appropriate and age appropriate for children," commented a influential peer.

America: A State-by-State Approach

In the United States, regulation is primarily happening at the state government level due to federal stalemate.

• The state of Utah requires guardian permission for under-18s to use social media and controls late-night use.
• Florida has passed a measure banning under-14s from accessing social media, though it is subject to legal challenges.
• The state of Virginia has enacted a regulation restricting under-16s to a single hour of social media access per day, with any further time requiring parental permission.
• Georgia, Tennessee, and The state of Louisiana have likewise passed measures demanding parental consent for under-16s to set up social media accounts.

Even with bipartisan support and calls from certain individuals to copy the Australian path, a nationwide ban is presently seen as unlikely.

International Views

Outside of the West, additional states are similarly exploring options.

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

Yet, world agencies strike a more nuanced position. The UN children's agency has cautioned that social media bans carry risks and "may even backfire". The organization highlights that the internet can be a "vital connection" for isolated young people and that regulation should not be a "replacement" for tech companies to improve user protection.

While this worldwide conversation continues, the policies of this nation and its followers show that policymakers around the world are less and less content to wait for platforms to self-regulate.