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The Australian decisive action to restrict social platforms access for young people below 16 is sparking debate worldwide. Politicians, campaigners, and parents are observing closely to see if this strategy will become a template for the rest of the world.

Across Europe Momentum

Throughout Europe, a rising chorus of nations are considering similar bans.

• The Danish government has stated a restriction on social media for under-15s, with the PM stating that mobile devices and apps are "taking away our youngsters' innocence". Legislation is expected to be formalized soon.
• Norway is set to enforce a age restriction of 15, highlighting the need to protect young people from the "influence of the algorithms".
• The Irish government is introducing a online verification tool to authenticate the user details of social media users. Officials have suggested that an Australian-model ban could be "a potential measures on the table".
• In The Spanish government, the leader has urged the legislature to pass a law raising the legal age for using social media to 16.
• In The French government, the head of state has threatened a ban for under-15s, and a legislative committee has suggested a comparable action, alongside an overnight "digital curfew" for adolescents.
• The authorities in the Netherlands has urged parents to prevent their children from social media until 15.

Across the European Union, the bloc's legislature has adopted a non-binding statement supporting a ban for teenagers under 16 without a parent decides otherwise is granted. Although it warns of the "habit-forming" quality of these services, the resolution does not establish enforceable legislation.

"An effective age restriction is a solid starting point," said the parliamentarian driving the measure.

The United Kingdom: An Evidence-Based Approach

For the United Kingdom, the administration has kept open a potential ban, arguing that "no option is being dismissed" but maintaining any action must be "supported by robust evidence".

Last year, momentum gathered behind a proposal to enact restrictions on social media use by teenagers, but it was ultimately modified. Instead, the administration vowed to conduct more studies the topic.

Campaign organizations have voiced apprehensions. One foundation established by the relatives of a girl who died after being exposed to disturbing social media material suggests that a blanket age ban might not protect children and could create a "sudden drop-off" of harm when young people become eligible.

"The Australian ban is a reaction to the refusal of the Silicon Valley to design tools that are appropriate and fit for minors," commented a influential online safety campaigner.

The US: A Decentralized Picture

Across America, legislation is largely happening at the regional level due to country-wide stalemate.

• Utah requires adult approval for those under 18 to use social media and restricts overnight use.
• Florida has enacted a measure barring under-14s from accessing social media, though it is entangled in legal challenges.
• The state of Virginia has enacted a law limiting minors to 60 minutes of social media use per day, with any further access requiring adult consent.
• Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have likewise enacted bills requiring adult authorization for minors to set up social media accounts.

Even with cross-party agreement and calls from certain figures to mimic Australia's path, a nationwide ban is right now seen as improbable.

Global Perspectives

Apart from these regions, additional states are similarly taking action.

• The Malaysian government plans to restrict social media for teenagers beginning next year.
• Brazil has increased the minimum age for Instagram to 16.

Yet, international bodies adopt a more cautious tone. Unicef has warned that blanket prohibitions carry risks and "may even have unintended consequences". The body highlights that online platforms can be a "vital connection" for vulnerable young people and that government action should not be a "replacement" for platform operators to improve child safeguards.

While this international debate evolves, the actions of the Australian government and its followers demonstrate that states internationally are increasingly prepared to wait for platforms to make changes on their own.