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Australia's controversial move to prohibit social platforms access for young people below 16 is sending ripples around the globe. Lawmakers, campaigners, and parents are monitoring closely to see if this approach will inspire imitation for the rest of the world.

Across Europe Momentum

Across Europe, a increasing chorus of countries are exploring comparable bans.

• Denmark has announced a ban on social media for children under fifteen, with the prime minister stating that smartphones and networks are "stealing our children's childhood". Legislation is expected to be formalized soon.
• Norway is planning to introduce a age restriction of 15, highlighting the need to safeguard children from the "influence of the recommendation systems".
• Ireland is introducing a digital wallet to verify the user details of social media users. Authorities have stated that an Australian-model ban remains "an options on the table".
• In The Spanish government, the leader has called on the legislature to pass a proposal raising the access age for joining social media to 16.
• In The French government, the leader has floated the idea of a ban for those under fifteen, and a legislative committee has recommended a similar step, alongside an overnight "screen time restriction" for 15- to 18-year-olds.
• The government in The Dutch government has advised parents to block their kids from social media up to the age of 15.

For the broader EU, the European parliament has passed a symbolic motion demanding a ban for under-16s except if a parent decides otherwise is granted. Even though it warns of the "habit-forming" design of these apps, the step does not create mandatory rules.

"A clear age limit is a solid foundation," commented a leading parliamentarian supporting the initiative.

The United Kingdom: A Cautious Eye

In the UK, the administration has not ruled out a possible ban, stating that "nothing is being dismissed" but insisting any decision must be "supported by robust data".

Previously, support grew behind a legislative effort to enact controls on social media use by minors, but it was eventually modified. Instead, the administration vowed to investigate the issue.

Advocacy groups have expressed warnings. One foundation set up by the loved ones of a teenager who was lost after being exposed to disturbing social media material suggests that a simple age ban could fail to protect children and could result in a "sudden drop-off" of risk when young people reach the legal age.

"Australia's ban is a response to the failure of the Silicon Valley to build products and services that are safe and suitable for minors," commented a influential online safety campaigner.

America: A Decentralized Landscape

In the United States, action is mostly unfolding at the state level against a backdrop of country-wide inaction.

• The state of Utah requires guardian permission for minors to use social media and controls nighttime use.
• The state of Florida has enacted a law banning those below 14 from accessing social media, though it is subject to legal challenges.
• The state of Virginia has enacted a rule restricting teenagers to one hour of social media access per day, with extra access dependent on a guardian's okay.
• The state of Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have similarly introduced measures demanding guardian approval for teenagers to set up social media profiles.

Even with widespread concern and calls from some politicians to copy Australia's example, a US-wide ban is presently seen as unlikely.

International Perspectives

Outside of Europe and the US, additional countries are similarly exploring options.

• Malaysia plans to restrict social media for those under sixteen beginning next year.
• The Brazilian authorities has increased the required age for the platform Instagram to 16.

However, world agencies take a more measured tone. The UN children's agency has warned that blanket prohibitions pose dangers and "may even backfire". The organization points out that online platforms can be a "vital connection" for vulnerable youth and that government action should not be a "replacement" for social media firms to improve child safeguards.

As this worldwide conversation continues, the steps of the Australian government and several other countries demonstrate that policymakers internationally are no longer prepared to stand by for tech companies to act voluntarily.