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Australia's controversial move to prohibit social platforms access for those under 16 is sending ripples worldwide. Lawmakers, campaigners, and guardians are observing closely to see if this tactic will inspire imitation for other nations.

Across Europe Trend

Throughout Europe, a rising chorus of states are considering similar restrictions.

• The Danish government plans a ban on social media for under-15s, with the PM arguing that mobile devices and apps are "stealing our youngsters' youth". Legislation may be enacted next year.
• Norway is preparing to implement a minimum age limit of 15, highlighting the need to safeguard young people from the "influence of the algorithms".
• Ireland is working on a digital ID system to authenticate the age and identity of social media users. Officials have suggested that an Australia-style ban is "an measures under consideration".
• In The Spanish government, the leader has urged parliament to enact a bill increasing the access age for using social media to 16.
• In France, the president has proposed a ban for under-15s, and a government panel has suggested a comparable action, including an overnight "internet blackout" for 15- to 18-year-olds.
• The authorities in The Netherlands has advised families to restrict their kids from social media before 15.

Across the European Union, the bloc's legislature has approved a advisory statement calling for a ban for minors unless a parent decides otherwise is given. While it highlights of the "compulsive" quality of these apps, the move does not enact enforceable legislation.

"An effective age barrier is a solid starting point," said the parliamentarian supporting the initiative.

The United Kingdom: A Watchful Approach

Across Britain, the leadership has remained open to a future ban, stating that "nothing is off the table" but maintaining any action must be "grounded in conclusive evidence".

Last year, support built behind a proposal to impose controls on social media use by teenagers, but it was eventually modified. However, the government committed to further research the matter.

Campaign organizations have raised apprehensions. One foundation founded by the relatives of a teenager who died after encountering harmful online content suggests that a strict age ban might not make platforms safer and could result in a "cliff edge" of exposure when young people reach the legal age.

"This ban is a reaction to the failure of the social media companies to build tools that are secure and suitable for children," stated a influential child protection advocate.

The US: A Fragmented Picture

Stateside, regulation is largely happening at the state government level amid national inaction.

• The state of Utah requires adult approval for under-18s to use social media and controls late-night use.
• The state of Florida has passed a law banning under-14s from creating accounts on social media, though it faces legal challenges.
• Virginia has passed a regulation capping minors to 60 minutes of social media access per day, with additional use needing parental permission.
• The state of Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have also introduced bills mandating parental consent for teenagers to set up social media profiles.

Despite bipartisan support and suggestions from certain individuals to follow this path, a nationwide ban is currently seen as improbable.

International Views

Outside of Europe and the US, further nations are likewise taking action.

• Malaysia aims to restrict social media for those under sixteen starting from next year.
• Brazil has increased the required age for Instagram to 16.

Yet, global organizations adopt a more nuanced stance. The UN children's agency has advised that social media bans have downsides and "could backfire". The organization points out that social networks can be a "lifeline" for vulnerable young people and that regulation should not be a "excuse" for platform operators to prioritize safety.

While this international conversation continues, the steps of this nation and several other countries indicate that states around the world are no longer content to wait for platforms to self-regulate.