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The Australian controversial action to prohibit social platforms access for individuals under sixteen is sparking debate worldwide. Officials, campaigners, and families are monitoring with great interest to see if this tactic will set a precedent for the rest of the world.

European Momentum

In Europe, a growing group of nations are exploring parallel bans.

• Denmark plans a prohibition on social media for children under fifteen, with the PM declaring that phones and networks are "robbing our kids' innocence". A law is expected to be formalized next year.
• The Norwegian government is set to implement a minimum age limit of 15, highlighting the need to protect children from the "manipulative force of the recommendation systems".
• Ireland is developing a digital ID system to authenticate the identity and age of social media participants. Officials have indicated that an Australia-style ban remains "one of the tools in reserve".
• In Spain, the prime minister has called on parliament to enact a proposal lifting the legal age for joining social media to 16.
• In The French government, the head of state has threatened a ban for those under fifteen, and a parliamentary commission has endorsed a comparable move, potentially involving an overnight "digital curfew" for adolescents.
• The administration in The Dutch government has advised parents to prevent their children from social media until 15.

At the EU level, the bloc's legislature has approved a non-binding resolution supporting a ban for minors without guardian approval is given. While it warns of the "addictive" nature of these apps, the step does not create mandatory rules.

"A strong age restriction is a good first step," commented the parliamentarian behind the resolution.

Britain: An Evidence-Based Eye

For the United Kingdom, the leadership has not ruled out a future ban, arguing that "no measure is discarded" but maintaining any decision must be "based on conclusive evidence".

Previously, interest grew behind a proposal to impose controls on social media use by minors, but it was eventually modified. However, the government pledged to further research the topic.

Campaign organizations have expressed apprehensions. One foundation founded by the loved ones of a teenager who took her own life after viewing harmful social media material contends that a blanket age ban might not improve online safety and could lead to a "dangerous transition" of harm when users become eligible.

"The Australian ban is a answer to the refusal of the social media companies to build tools that are safe and age appropriate for young users," stated a influential peer.

The United States: A State-by-State Approach

Across America, regulation is largely happening at the regional government level against a backdrop of country-wide stalemate.

• The state of Utah mandates adult approval for under-18s to use social media and restricts overnight use.
• Florida has signed a bill banning children under fourteen from accessing social media, though it is subject to constitutional disputes.
• Virginia has approved a regulation capping teenagers to one hour of social media access per day, with any further use requiring adult consent.
• Georgia, Tennessee, and The state of Louisiana have also passed bills requiring guardian approval for teenagers to create social media presences.

Even with bipartisan support and proposals from some individuals to follow the Australian example, a federal ban is currently seen as a distant prospect.

Global Outlook

Beyond these regions, other states are also exploring options.

• Malaysia intends to restrict social media for those under sixteen starting from next year.
• Brazil has increased the required age for one major platform to 16.

Yet, world organizations take a more measured tone. The UN children's agency has warned that social media bans carry risks and "might prove counterproductive". The agency points out that social networks can be a "lifeline" for marginalized youth and that government action should not be a "replacement" for social media firms to prioritize safety.

As this global discussion unfolds, the steps of Australia and others indicate that policymakers around the world are no longer prepared to stand by for tech companies to act voluntarily.