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The Australian controversial policy to prohibit social platforms access for individuals under sixteen is sending ripples around the globe. Officials, child protection groups, and guardians are observing intently to see if this strategy will inspire imitation for other nations.

European Trend

Throughout Europe, a increasing group of countries are considering comparable bans.

• Denmark plans a ban on social media for youth below 15, with the prime minister stating that smartphones and apps are "stealing our kids' innocence". The policy is expected to be passed next year.
• Norway is preparing to enforce a age restriction of 15, citing the need to shield young people from the "influence of the recommendation systems".
• The Irish government is developing a digital ID system to authenticate the age and identity of social media users. The media minister have stated that an Australian-model ban is "one of the measures on the table".
• In The Spanish government, the president has asked the legislature to approve a law raising the access age for joining social media to 16.
• In The French government, the leader has proposed a ban for under-15s, and a parliamentary commission has suggested a similar step, alongside an overnight "digital curfew" for adolescents.
• The authorities in The Netherlands has urged guardians to block their kids from social media until 15.

At the EU level, the European parliament has passed a non-binding motion calling for a ban for under-16s without guardian approval is provided. While it cautions of the "addictive" quality of these services, the move does not establish enforceable legislation.

"An effective age limit is a good first step," commented one MEP supporting the resolution.

The United Kingdom: A Cautious Approach

In the UK, the leadership has kept open a potential ban, emphasizing that "nothing is being dismissed" but insisting any decision must be "based on strong research".

Previously, momentum built behind a legislative effort to introduce limits on social media use by under-16s, but it was ultimately watered down. However, the administration vowed to further research the issue.

Campaign organizations have raised concerns. A prominent charity set up by the loved ones of a young person who took her own life after being exposed to disturbing social media material suggests that a blanket age ban might not protect children and could create a "cliff edge" of harm when teens become eligible.

"Australia's ban is a reaction to the inability of the Silicon Valley to build products and services that are appropriate and suitable for young users," commented a influential peer.

The United States: A Fragmented Picture

Across America, legislation is largely unfolding at the local level against a backdrop of federal stalemate.

• Utah demands guardian permission for minors to use social media and controls nighttime use.
• The state of Florida has enacted a measure barring those below 14 from accessing social media, though it is subject to legal challenges.
• Virginia has enacted a rule capping minors to one hour of social media use per day, with additional use requiring a guardian's okay.
• Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have similarly passed bills demanding guardian approval for teenagers to open social media accounts.

Even with bipartisan support and suggestions from some figures to mimic Australia's example, a federal ban is currently seen as unlikely.

Worldwide Outlook

Apart from Europe and the US, further nations are similarly considering moves.

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

However, world organizations adopt a more measured tone. A major UN agency has cautioned that social media bans carry risks and "could backfire". The body notes that social networks can be a "vital connection" for marginalized young people and that government action should not be a "excuse" for platform operators to prioritize safety.

While this international conversation continues, the policies of Australia and others indicate that states around the world are increasingly prepared to delay for tech companies to make changes on their own.