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Australia's bold move to prohibit social platforms access for those under 16 is creating waves around the globe. Officials, campaigners, and parents are watching closely to see if this approach will inspire imitation for the rest of the world.

European Momentum

Throughout Europe, a increasing number of states are exploring parallel bans.

• The Danish government plans a restriction on social media for children under fifteen, with the leader stating that smartphones and networks are "robbing our children's youth". The policy may be enacted soon.
• Norway is planning to introduce a access barrier of 15, citing the need to protect the young from the "power of the AI".
• The Irish government is working on a digital ID system to verify the identity and age of social media users. Authorities have indicated that an Australia-style ban is "a potential tools in reserve".
• In Spain, the prime minister has asked the legislature to approve a law raising the access age for using social media to 16.
• In France, the leader has proposed a ban for those under fifteen, and a legislative committee has recommended a related action, potentially involving an overnight "internet blackout" for older teenagers.
• The government in The Dutch government has urged families to restrict their youngsters from social media up to the age of 15.

For the broader EU, the bloc's legislature has approved a advisory motion demanding a ban for minors except if parental consent is granted. While it cautions of the "habit-forming" design of these platforms, the step does not enact enforceable legislation.

"An effective age limit is a useful foundation," stated a leading European lawmaker supporting the resolution.

The United Kingdom: An Evidence-Based Eye

Across Britain, the government has remained open to a potential ban, stating that "nothing is discarded" but stressing any policy must be "grounded in conclusive evidence".

Last year, support built behind a legislative effort to impose restrictions on social media use by teenagers, but it was in the end weakened. Nonetheless, the government pledged to investigate the issue.

Advocacy groups have voiced apprehensions. One foundation established by the family of a teenager who took her own life after viewing dangerous online content argues that a blanket age ban could fail to make platforms safer and could create a "cliff edge" of exposure when teens turn 16.

"Australia's ban is a reaction to the inability of the social media companies to design products and services that are safe and suitable for minors," commented a prominent online safety campaigner.

The US: A Decentralized Picture

Stateside, action is primarily happening at the regional level due to national stalemate.

• Utah mandates parental consent for under-18s to use social media and restricts overnight use.
• Florida has enacted a bill prohibiting those below 14 from creating accounts on social media, though it faces legal challenges.
• Virginia has enacted a rule limiting minors to one hour of social media use per day, with any further access needing adult consent.
• Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have similarly enacted bills demanding adult authorization for teenagers to set up social media profiles.

Even with bipartisan support and proposals from certain politicians to copy the Australian example, a federal ban is presently seen as a distant prospect.

International Perspectives

Outside of these regions, additional nations are also exploring options.

• Malaysia intends to ban social media for teenagers starting from next year.
• The Brazilian authorities has increased the minimum age for Instagram to 16.

But, global organizations strike a more nuanced tone. The UN children's agency has advised that age-based restrictions have downsides and "could backfire". The body notes that social networks can be a "vital connection" for isolated youth and that bans should not be a "replacement" for platform operators to prioritize user protection.

As this global debate unfolds, the actions of the Australian government and several other countries show that policymakers globally are no longer content to delay for the industry to make changes on their own.