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The Australian controversial action to ban social platforms access for individuals under sixteen is sparking debate around the globe. Politicians, safety advocates, and guardians are observing with great interest to see if this tactic will set a precedent for the rest of the world.

European Momentum

In Europe, a growing chorus of countries are exploring similar bans.

• Denmark has announced a ban on social media for under-15s, with the prime minister arguing that smartphones and platforms are "stealing our children's youth". Legislation is expected to be passed soon.
• Norway is planning to introduce a minimum age limit of 15, citing the need to shield young people from the "manipulative force of the algorithms".
• The Irish government is introducing a digital ID system to confirm the age and identity of social media participants. Authorities have indicated that an Australia-style ban remains "an measures under consideration".
• In The Spanish government, the prime minister has asked lawmakers to enact a bill lifting the minimum age for joining social media to 16.
• In France, the president has threatened a ban for under-15s, and a government panel has suggested a related step, including an overnight "internet blackout" for 15- to 18-year-olds.
• The government in The Netherlands has advised parents to block their children from social media before 15.

Across the European Union, the EU parliament has adopted a symbolic statement demanding a ban for teenagers under 16 without guardian approval is provided. Even though it highlights of the "habit-forming" quality of these platforms, the step does not enact mandatory rules.

"A strong age restriction is a solid first step," said one parliamentarian behind the initiative.

The United Kingdom: An Evidence-Based Stance

Across Britain, the leadership has kept open a potential ban, stating that "no option is off the table" but maintaining any policy must be "grounded in strong data".

Earlier, momentum grew behind a proposal to enact restrictions on social media use by minors, but it was ultimately modified. However, the government committed to conduct more studies the topic.

Advocacy groups have voiced concerns. An organization set up by the family of a teenager who died after being exposed to disturbing social media material contends that a blanket age ban might not protect children and could lead to a "sudden drop-off" of exposure when users reach the legal age.

"The Australian ban is a response to the inability of the Silicon Valley to create platforms and apps that are appropriate and age appropriate for minors," said a leading peer.

America: A State-by-State Landscape

Across America, legislation is largely happening at the local government level amid federal inaction.

• Utah requires adult approval for under-18s to use social media and controls overnight use.
• The state of Florida has signed a law barring under-14s from creating accounts on social media, though it is subject to constitutional disputes.
• The state of Virginia has passed a regulation restricting under-16s to a single hour of social media use per day, with additional use needing adult consent.
• Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have similarly introduced measures requiring guardian approval for under-16s to set up social media accounts.

Despite cross-party agreement and suggestions from various figures to copy this path, a nationwide ban is presently seen as improbable.

Global Views

Apart from these regions, further nations are also exploring options.

• Malaysia intends to ban social media for teenagers starting from next year.
• Brazil has raised the minimum age for one major platform to 16.

Yet, world bodies take a more cautious tone. A major UN agency has cautioned that blanket prohibitions carry risks and "might backfire". The body points out that social networks can be a "critical link" for isolated children and that bans should not be a "replacement" for tech companies to invest in safety.

While this global debate evolves, the actions of this nation and its followers indicate that governments globally are increasingly prepared to wait for tech companies to self-regulate.