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Australia's controversial policy to restrict social platforms access for individuals under sixteen is sparking debate around the globe. Officials, safety advocates, and guardians are observing intently to see if this tactic will become a template for the rest of the world.

European Trend

Throughout Europe, a growing chorus of states are exploring parallel measures.

• Denmark plans a restriction on social media for under-15s, with the prime minister arguing that mobile devices and platforms are "taking away our children's innocence". A law could be formalized soon.
• The Norwegian government is set to enforce a access barrier of 15, pointing to the need to protect young people from the "power of the algorithms".
• Ireland is introducing a online verification tool to confirm the identity and age of social media users. The media minister have suggested that an similar ban remains "an options in reserve".
• In Spain, the leader has called on lawmakers to enact a law raising the access age for using social media to 16.
• In France, the head of state has threatened a ban for those under fifteen, and a legislative committee has recommended a comparable move, potentially involving an overnight "internet blackout" for adolescents.
• The government in The Netherlands has urged guardians to block their children from social media until 15.

Across the European Union, the European parliament has approved a advisory statement calling for a ban for minors unless a parent decides otherwise is provided. While it highlights of the "compulsive" nature of these apps, the move does not enact binding law.

"A strong age restriction is a solid first step," said a leading MEP driving the resolution.

The UK: A Watchful Stance

For the United Kingdom, the government has kept open a potential ban, emphasizing that "nothing is off the table" but insisting any decision must be "grounded in strong data".

Last year, support grew behind a legislative effort to enact restrictions on social media use by teenagers, but it was ultimately weakened. Instead, the administration pledged to investigate the issue.

Charities have raised concerns. A prominent charity established by the family of a girl who was lost after encountering dangerous platform posts argues that a strict age ban may not protect children and could create a "dangerous transition" of risk when teens become eligible.

"Australia's ban is a answer to the refusal of the social media companies to create products and services that are secure and suitable for young users," commented a prominent child protection advocate.

America: A Fragmented Approach

Across America, regulation is primarily unfolding at the state level against a backdrop of country-wide stalemate.

• Utah mandates adult approval for minors to use social media and restricts nighttime use.
• The state of Florida has signed a law prohibiting those below 14 from creating accounts on social media, though it faces court battles.
• Virginia has passed a rule limiting under-16s to a single hour of social media use per day, with extra time requiring a guardian's okay.
• Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have also introduced bills demanding guardian approval for minors to open social media accounts.

Even with cross-party agreement and proposals from certain politicians to copy this path, a nationwide ban is currently seen as improbable.

International Views

Beyond Europe and the US, other countries are also exploring options.

• Malaysia intends to restrict social media for under-16s effective next year.
• The Brazilian authorities has increased the required age for the platform Instagram to 16.

Yet, world agencies adopt a more nuanced position. A major UN agency has advised that social media bans carry risks and "might prove counterproductive". The agency points out that online platforms can be a "vital connection" for isolated young people and that regulation should not be a "substitute" for tech companies to invest in safety.

Even as this global debate evolves, the actions of the Australian government and several other countries demonstrate that policymakers globally are less and less willing to stand by for platforms to self-regulate.