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The Australian controversial action to ban social platforms access for those under 16 is creating waves around the globe. Officials, child protection groups, and guardians are observing with great interest to see if this strategy will set a precedent for other nations.

The European Movement

Throughout Europe, a increasing chorus of countries are exploring similar restrictions.

• The Danish government has stated a prohibition on social media for under-15s, with the prime minister declaring that phones and apps are "stealing our children's childhood". The policy may be formalized soon.
• The Norwegian government is set to introduce a access barrier of 15, citing the need to protect young people from the "manipulative force of the recommendation systems".
• The Irish government is developing a digital wallet to authenticate the age and identity of social media account holders. Officials have indicated that an similar ban remains "a potential options on the table".
• In Spain, the leader has called on the legislature to pass a bill raising the minimum age for accessing social media to 16.
• In France, the leader has proposed a ban for those under fifteen, and a government panel has suggested a related action, including an overnight "screen time restriction" for 15- to 18-year-olds.
• The administration in The Netherlands has recommended guardians to block their kids from social media before 15.

At the EU level, the European parliament has approved a symbolic statement demanding a ban for minors except if a parent decides otherwise is provided. While it warns of the "compulsive" quality of these services, the resolution does not enact mandatory rules.

"A strong age barrier is a useful foundation," said a leading MEP supporting the initiative.

Britain: An Evidence-Based Eye

Across Britain, the administration has kept open a future ban, arguing that "no measure is being dismissed" but maintaining any policy must be "based on robust data".

Last year, momentum built behind a bill to introduce restrictions on social media use by teenagers, but it was ultimately modified. However, the government committed to further research the topic.

Advocacy groups have expressed concerns. An organization established by the relatives of a teenager who died after being exposed to harmful social media material argues that a strict age ban could fail to make platforms safer and could lead to a "sudden drop-off" of harm when teens become eligible.

"Australia's ban is a reaction to the inability of the Silicon Valley to create tools that are safe and suitable for young users," said a leading peer.

The United States: A Decentralized Approach

Stateside, legislation is largely happening at the state level against a backdrop of federal gridlock.

• Utah mandates adult approval for those under 18 to use social media and controls nighttime use.
• Florida has passed a law barring under-14s from accessing social media, though it faces legal challenges.
• The state of Virginia has approved a rule restricting under-16s to one hour of social media use per day, with extra time requiring parental permission.
• Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have similarly enacted measures demanding adult authorization for minors to open social media accounts.

Even with cross-party agreement and proposals from various figures to copy Australia's path, a federal ban is right now seen as unlikely.

Worldwide Perspectives

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

• Malaysia intends to restrict social media for teenagers effective next year.
• Brazil has lifted the minimum age for Instagram to 16.

Yet, world agencies take a more cautious stance. A major UN agency has cautioned that blanket prohibitions pose dangers and "might backfire". The agency points out that online platforms can be a "vital connection" for vulnerable young people and that regulation should not be a "excuse" for platform operators to improve safety.

As this international debate continues, the policies of the Australian government and its followers indicate that states around the world are no longer content to delay for tech companies to make changes on their own.