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Australia's controversial action to restrict social platforms access for individuals under sixteen is sparking debate worldwide. Officials, child protection groups, and guardians are observing intently to see if this tactic will inspire imitation for the rest of the world.

Across Europe Trend

Across Europe, a rising number of countries are exploring parallel restrictions.

• Denmark has stated a restriction on social media for youth below 15, with the prime minister stating that mobile devices and networks are "stealing our children's youth". Legislation is expected to be formalized next year.
• Norway is planning to implement a minimum age limit of 15, citing the need to shield young people from the "power of the algorithms".
• Ireland is working on a online verification tool to verify the user details of social media users. Officials have suggested that an similar ban is "a potential options under consideration".
• In The Spanish government, the president has called on parliament to approve a law raising the legal age for accessing social media to 16.
• In The French government, the president has threatened a ban for under-15s, and a government panel has suggested a similar step, including an overnight "screen time restriction" for 15- to 18-year-olds.
• The government in The Netherlands has recommended families to prevent their children from social media up to the age of 15.

For the broader EU, the EU parliament has approved a non-binding statement demanding a ban for under-16s without a parent decides otherwise is granted. Although it highlights of the "compulsive" quality of these services, the move does not create mandatory rules.

"A clear age limit is a good first step," stated a leading European lawmaker driving the measure.

The UK: An Evidence-Based Eye

In the UK, the government has not ruled out a possible ban, arguing that "no option is off the table" but stressing any policy must be "supported by robust evidence".

Previously, interest built behind a bill to enact restrictions on social media use by under-16s, but it was in the end weakened. Instead, the administration committed to further research the matter.

Advocacy groups have voiced apprehensions. A prominent charity set up by the relatives of a girl who took her own life after viewing disturbing social media material suggests that a strict age ban may not improve online safety and could create a "sudden drop-off" of harm when users reach the legal age.

"The Australian ban is a response to the inability of the tech sector to create tools that are secure and suitable for children," commented a prominent peer.

America: A Decentralized Approach

Stateside, action is mostly happening at the regional level amid country-wide gridlock.

• Utah requires parental consent for minors to use social media and controls late-night use.
• Florida has enacted a bill barring children under fourteen from accessing social media, though it is entangled in constitutional disputes.
• Virginia has approved a law limiting minors to 60 minutes of social media access per day, with extra access dependent on a guardian's okay.
• The state of Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and Louisiana have likewise passed bills demanding guardian approval for under-16s to set up social media profiles.

Even with widespread concern and proposals from some individuals to mimic Australia's path, a federal ban is presently seen as improbable.

International Perspectives

Beyond these regions, additional countries are likewise taking action.

• The Malaysian government plans to prohibit social media for teenagers starting from next year.
• The Brazilian authorities has raised the minimum age for one major platform to 16.

But, global bodies strike a more measured position. A major UN agency has warned that blanket prohibitions have downsides and "may even backfire". The body points out that online platforms can be a "vital connection" for marginalized children and that regulation should not be a "replacement" for tech companies to prioritize child safeguards.

Even as this international discussion unfolds, the actions of this nation and several other countries show that governments globally are no longer prepared to delay for platforms to act voluntarily.