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Australia's bold action to ban social platforms access for young people below 16 is sending ripples around the globe. Politicians, child protection groups, and guardians are watching intently to see if this tactic will set a precedent for countries abroad.

Across Europe Momentum

Throughout Europe, a growing number of states are considering comparable bans.

• The Danish government has announced a restriction on social media for youth below 15, with the leader declaring that smartphones and apps are "stealing our youngsters' innocence". The policy is expected to be formalized soon.
• Norway is planning to introduce a minimum age limit of 15, highlighting the need to protect children from the "manipulative force of the AI".
• Ireland is developing a digital ID system to confirm the age and identity of social media participants. The media minister have suggested that an Australia-style ban is "a potential options in reserve".
• In The Spanish government, the prime minister has urged lawmakers to approve a proposal increasing the access age for accessing social media to 16.
• In France, the president has threatened a ban for those under fifteen, and a government panel has endorsed a comparable action, alongside an overnight "digital curfew" for 15- to 18-year-olds.
• The authorities in The Netherlands has advised families to restrict their children from social media up to the age of 15.

Across the European Union, the European parliament has approved a non-binding resolution demanding a ban for under-16s unless parental consent is given. While it warns of the "habit-forming" design of these apps, the move does not create mandatory rules.

"A clear age barrier is a solid first step," stated a leading European lawmaker driving the resolution.

Britain: A Watchful Approach

Across Britain, the leadership has not ruled out a potential ban, emphasizing that "nothing is discarded" but maintaining any decision must be "supported by robust research".

Earlier, support grew behind a legislative effort to impose restrictions on social media use by minors, but it was in the end watered down. Instead, the government committed to conduct more studies the matter.

Campaign organizations have raised apprehensions. A prominent charity set up by the loved ones of a girl who died after viewing harmful social media material suggests that a simple age ban might not protect children and could create a "dangerous transition" of risk when users become eligible.

"The Australian ban is a reaction to the inability of the tech sector to create products and services that are safe and age appropriate for children," said a prominent online safety campaigner.

The United States: A Decentralized Landscape

Stateside, action is primarily unfolding at the regional level amid national stalemate.

• Utah demands parental consent for those under 18 to use social media and controls overnight use.
• Florida has signed a bill prohibiting children under fourteen from joining social media, though it is subject to constitutional disputes.
• Virginia has passed a law restricting teenagers to 60 minutes of social media time per day, with any further access dependent on adult consent.
• The state of Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and The state of Louisiana have also enacted laws mandating parental consent for minors to create social media presences.

Despite widespread concern and calls from some individuals to mimic Australia's lead, a US-wide ban is currently seen as a distant prospect.

Global Outlook

Beyond the West, additional nations are likewise exploring options.

• The Malaysian government aims to prohibit social media for under-16s effective next year.
• Brazil has raised the minimum age for the platform Instagram to 16.

Yet, international organizations adopt a more cautious position. A major UN agency has advised that social media bans pose dangers and "could backfire". The organization points out that online platforms can be a "lifeline" for isolated children and that regulation should not be a "excuse" for social media firms to improve child safeguards.

While this international discussion unfolds, the policies of Australia and its followers demonstrate that policymakers internationally are less and less content to stand by for platforms to act voluntarily.