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The Australian bold action to ban social platforms access for those under 16 is sending ripples internationally. Politicians, campaigners, and parents are monitoring intently to see if this strategy will become a template for the rest of the world.

Across Europe Trend

Across Europe, a increasing number of states are considering comparable measures.

• The Danish government plans a restriction on social media for under-15s, with the prime minister declaring that mobile devices and networks are "stealing our children's childhood". A law is expected to be formalized in the coming year.
• Norway is preparing to implement a minimum age limit of 15, pointing to the need to protect young people from the "manipulative force of the algorithms".
• The Irish government is working on a online verification tool to authenticate the age and identity of social media users. Officials have indicated that an Australian-model ban remains "a potential tools on the table".
• In Spain, the prime minister has called on parliament to pass a law lifting the minimum age for joining social media to 16.
• In The French government, the leader has threatened a ban for those under fifteen, and a legislative committee has recommended a related action, including an overnight "digital curfew" for adolescents.
• The government in the Netherlands has advised families to restrict their youngsters from social media up to the age of 15.

At the EU level, the European parliament has adopted a symbolic resolution calling for a ban for minors unless guardian approval is provided. Even though it warns of the "addictive" design of these services, the move does not establish enforceable legislation.

"An effective age barrier is a solid foundation," commented one MEP behind the measure.

Britain: A Cautious Eye

For the United Kingdom, the government has remained open to a possible ban, stating that "no measure is being dismissed" but maintaining any decision must be "supported by robust evidence".

Last year, support built behind a legislative effort to introduce restrictions on social media use by teenagers, but it was ultimately weakened. However, the administration committed to conduct more studies the matter.

Charities have expressed apprehensions. A prominent charity founded by the loved ones of a young person who died after encountering dangerous platform posts suggests that a simple age ban may not improve online safety and could create a "cliff edge" of exposure when young people turn 16.

"This ban is a answer to the inability of the tech sector to create tools that are appropriate and age appropriate for young users," stated a leading child protection advocate.

The United States: A Fragmented Landscape

Across America, legislation is primarily occurring at the regional level amid federal inaction.

• The state of Utah mandates parental consent for minors to use social media and limits overnight use.
• The state of Florida has enacted a law banning children under fourteen from joining social media, though it is entangled in constitutional disputes.
• Virginia has passed a regulation restricting under-16s to a single hour of social media time per day, with additional time needing parental permission.
• The state of Georgia, Tennessee, and The state of Louisiana have also passed measures requiring parental consent for minors to create social media profiles.

Despite bipartisan support and proposals from some individuals to mimic Australia's lead, a federal ban is currently seen as unlikely.

Worldwide Perspectives

Beyond the West, other states are similarly taking action.

• Malaysia plans to prohibit social media for those under sixteen effective next year.
• Brazil has increased the minimum age for the platform Instagram to 16.

Yet, world organizations adopt a more nuanced stance. The UN children's agency has warned that social media bans carry risks and "might prove counterproductive". The body notes that social networks can be a "lifeline" for vulnerable children and that regulation should not be a "excuse" for tech companies to invest in child safeguards.

As this worldwide debate unfolds, the steps of this nation and others demonstrate that policymakers around the world are increasingly willing to wait for platforms to self-regulate.