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Australia's decisive policy to ban social platforms access for young people below 16 is sparking debate worldwide. Politicians, campaigners, and parents are observing with great interest to see if this approach will set a precedent for the rest of the world.

The European Momentum

Throughout Europe, a rising number of countries are moving toward comparable measures.

• The Danish government has announced a restriction on social media for children under fifteen, with the PM stating that phones and networks are "stealing our children's childhood". The policy could be formalized soon.
• The Norwegian government is set to introduce a age restriction of 15, citing the need to shield the young from the "power of the algorithms".
• The Irish government is introducing a digital ID system to authenticate the identity and age of social media account holders. The media minister have indicated that an Australian-model ban could be "a potential options in reserve".
• In Spain, the leader has asked parliament to approve a law lifting the minimum age for using social media to 16.
• In The French government, the president has floated the idea of a ban for those under fifteen, and a government panel has recommended a comparable move, potentially involving an overnight "digital curfew" for 15- to 18-year-olds.
• The government in The Dutch government has recommended families to block their kids from social media until 15.

At the EU level, the EU parliament has passed a symbolic motion demanding a ban for minors except if a parent decides otherwise is granted. Even though it cautions of the "habit-forming" nature of these platforms, the resolution does not establish mandatory rules.

"A clear age barrier is a useful starting point," said the parliamentarian supporting the initiative.

The United Kingdom: A Cautious Approach

Across Britain, the administration has kept open a potential ban, arguing that "no option is being dismissed" but insisting any policy must be "based on conclusive evidence".

Last year, interest gathered behind a legislative effort to introduce restrictions on social media use by minors, but it was eventually watered down. However, the administration committed to investigate the matter.

Charities have expressed apprehensions. An organization founded by the relatives of a teenager who died after viewing harmful online content argues that a simple age ban could fail to make platforms safer and could create a "dangerous transition" of harm when teens turn 16.

"This ban is a answer to the refusal of the social media companies to design platforms and apps that are appropriate and suitable for young users," commented a influential peer.

The US: A State-by-State Picture

Across America, action is primarily unfolding at the regional government level amid country-wide inaction.

• The state of Utah requires parental consent for under-18s to use social media and limits late-night use.
• Florida has signed a bill barring children under fourteen from joining social media, though it faces constitutional disputes.
• Virginia has enacted a regulation limiting teenagers to one hour of social media use per day, with any further use requiring parental permission.
• Georgia, Tennessee, and The state of Louisiana have also introduced laws mandating parental consent for under-16s to set up social media presences.

Even with cross-party agreement and calls from certain politicians to copy the Australian example, a US-wide ban is right now seen as improbable.

Global Outlook

Beyond these regions, further states are similarly exploring options.

• The Malaysian government plans to restrict social media for those under sixteen effective next year.
• The Brazilian authorities has lifted the minimum age for the platform Instagram to 16.

Yet, international organizations take a more measured tone. A major UN agency has cautioned that social media bans pose dangers and "could prove counterproductive". The organization notes that online platforms can be a "critical link" for vulnerable youth and that bans should not be a "substitute" for social media firms to improve safety.

Even as this international discussion continues, the actions of Australia and its followers demonstrate that policymakers around the world are increasingly willing to delay for the industry to make changes on their own.