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The Australian controversial policy to ban social platforms access for individuals under sixteen is sparking debate worldwide. Lawmakers, campaigners, and guardians are observing closely to see if this strategy will become a template for other nations.

European Trend

Across Europe, a growing chorus of countries are moving toward comparable measures.

• Denmark has stated a prohibition on social media for under-15s, with the leader declaring that phones and networks are "stealing our kids' youth". A law may be passed next year.
• Norway is planning to enforce a minimum age limit of 15, citing the need to shield the young from the "influence of the AI".
• Ireland is developing a digital wallet to verify the identity and age of social media participants. The media minister have suggested that an similar ban remains "one of the measures under consideration".
• In The Spanish government, the prime minister has called on lawmakers to approve a proposal raising the minimum age for joining social media to 16.
• In France, the head of state has floated the idea of a ban for children below 15, and a government panel has suggested a similar step, potentially involving an overnight "digital curfew" for older teenagers.
• The government in The Netherlands has recommended families to prevent their youngsters from social media until 15.

For the broader EU, the EU parliament has adopted a non-binding motion supporting a ban for under-16s unless a parent decides otherwise is given. Although it cautions of the "addictive" quality of these apps, the step does not create mandatory rules.

"A strong age limit is a solid first step," stated the MEP driving the initiative.

The UK: A Watchful Stance

Across Britain, the government has remained open to a possible ban, emphasizing that "no measure is being dismissed" but stressing any decision must be "supported by strong data".

Earlier, interest gathered behind a bill to impose limits on social media use by under-16s, but it was in the end weakened. Nonetheless, the government pledged to further research the issue.

Campaign organizations have raised apprehensions. A prominent charity set up by the relatives of a girl who was lost after viewing harmful platform posts contends that a blanket age ban might not make platforms safer and could result in a "cliff edge" of exposure when young people become eligible.

"Australia's ban is a response to the refusal of the Silicon Valley to design products and services that are appropriate and age appropriate for minors," said a influential online safety campaigner.

America: A Decentralized Picture

Stateside, regulation is largely occurring at the local government level due to federal inaction.

• Utah requires adult approval for under-18s to use social media and controls nighttime use.
• Florida has passed a law banning children under fourteen from joining social media, though it is subject to constitutional disputes.
• The state of Virginia has enacted a regulation limiting under-16s to 60 minutes of social media time per day, with additional use requiring parental permission.
• Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and The state of Louisiana have likewise enacted measures requiring adult authorization for under-16s to open social media accounts.

Even with widespread concern and proposals from various individuals to mimic this path, a federal ban is presently seen as unlikely.

Global Outlook

Beyond the West, other nations are similarly exploring options.

• Malaysia aims to ban social media for those under sixteen beginning next year.
• The Brazilian authorities has raised the minimum age for the platform Instagram to 16.

But, international organizations adopt a more cautious stance. A major UN agency has warned that social media bans carry risks and "may even backfire". The agency points out that the internet can be a "lifeline" for marginalized young people and that government action should not be a "substitute" for platform operators to prioritize user protection.

While this worldwide debate evolves, the actions of the Australian government and several other countries demonstrate that states globally are increasingly content to wait for platforms to self-regulate.