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The Australian decisive policy to prohibit social platforms access for young people below 16 is sparking debate around the globe. Lawmakers, campaigners, and guardians are monitoring with great interest to see if this strategy will inspire imitation for the rest of the world.

European Trend

In Europe, a rising group of countries are moving toward comparable measures.

• The Danish government has announced a prohibition on social media for under-15s, with the PM declaring that smartphones and apps are "taking away our kids' childhood". A law may be formalized next year.
• Norway is planning to introduce a access barrier of 15, citing the need to protect children from the "manipulative force of the recommendation systems".
• The Irish government is working on a digital wallet to confirm the identity and age of social media account holders. The media minister have indicated that an similar ban could be "an options in reserve".
• In Spain, the leader has asked lawmakers to enact a proposal raising the legal age for accessing social media to 16.
• In France, the president has floated the idea of a ban for children below 15, and a government panel has recommended a similar action, alongside an overnight "digital curfew" for 15- to 18-year-olds.
• The administration in The Dutch government has advised families to block their kids from social media before 15.

At the EU level, the EU parliament has passed a non-binding resolution calling for a ban for minors without parental consent is granted. Although it warns of the "compulsive" quality of these apps, the move does not enact binding law.

"A strong age barrier is a useful starting point," commented one parliamentarian supporting the resolution.

Britain: A Watchful Approach

In the UK, the government has kept open a potential ban, arguing that "no option is being dismissed" but stressing any policy must be "based on strong data".

Previously, support gathered behind a bill to impose restrictions on social media use by teenagers, but it was eventually modified. However, the government committed to conduct more studies the issue.

Advocacy groups have voiced concerns. One foundation founded by the loved ones of a young person who took her own life after being exposed to disturbing social media material contends that a simple age ban could fail to make platforms safer and could result in a "dangerous transition" of harm when users turn 16.

"Australia's ban is a reaction to the failure of the tech sector to build platforms and apps that are appropriate and age appropriate for young users," commented a prominent child protection advocate.

The US: A Fragmented Approach

Across America, regulation is mostly unfolding at the local level due to national gridlock.

• Utah requires guardian permission for under-18s to use social media and limits overnight use.
• Florida has signed a law barring those below 14 from creating accounts on social media, though it is entangled in court battles.
• The state of Virginia has enacted a law restricting minors to one hour of social media time per day, with additional use dependent on parental permission.
• Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have similarly enacted measures mandating guardian approval for minors to create social media profiles.

Even with bipartisan support and calls from certain figures to copy Australia's example, a federal ban is currently seen as a distant prospect.

Worldwide Outlook

Apart from Europe and the US, other countries are likewise exploring options.

• Malaysia intends to restrict social media for under-16s starting from next year.
• Brazil has lifted the minimum age for Instagram to 16.

Yet, international agencies take a more measured tone. The UN children's agency has advised that age-based restrictions carry risks and "might have unintended consequences". The organization highlights that social networks can be a "vital connection" for marginalized youth and that government action should not be a "excuse" for social media firms to prioritize child safeguards.

As this international discussion evolves, the steps of the Australian government and its followers demonstrate that states around the world are increasingly prepared to wait for tech companies to act voluntarily.