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The Australian controversial move to ban social platforms access for those under 16 is sending ripples worldwide. Politicians, child protection groups, and families are monitoring intently to see if this tactic will set a precedent for other nations.

Across Europe Momentum

Across Europe, a rising group of countries are considering parallel restrictions.

• The Danish government has stated a restriction on social media for under-15s, with the leader stating that smartphones and apps are "robbing our youngsters' youth". The policy may be passed next year.
• The Norwegian government is preparing to enforce a age restriction of 15, citing the need to safeguard the young from the "influence of the recommendation systems".
• Ireland is developing a digital ID system to confirm the age and identity of social media account holders. Authorities have suggested that an similar ban remains "an tools under consideration".
• In The Spanish government, the leader has urged the legislature to approve a proposal raising the access age for joining social media to 16.
• In The French government, the head of state has floated the idea of a ban for those under fifteen, and a legislative committee has recommended a related action, potentially involving an overnight "screen time restriction" for 15- to 18-year-olds.
• The administration in The Dutch government has urged families to prevent their children from social media before 15.

At the EU level, the bloc's legislature has adopted a advisory statement supporting a ban for under-16s unless a parent decides otherwise is provided. While it cautions of the "compulsive" quality of these services, the step does not enact enforceable legislation.

"A strong age restriction is a useful first step," said one MEP driving the resolution.

Britain: A Watchful Approach

In the UK, the leadership has kept open a future ban, stating that "no measure is discarded" but insisting any policy must be "grounded in strong evidence".

Earlier, momentum built behind a legislative effort to enact limits on social media use by teenagers, but it was eventually modified. Nonetheless, the administration vowed to further research the topic.

Advocacy groups have raised concerns. One foundation established by the family of a girl who took her own life after encountering harmful online content contends that a simple age ban might not make platforms safer and could create a "cliff edge" of harm when users reach the legal age.

"Australia's ban is a response to the refusal of the social media companies to design platforms and apps that are secure and age appropriate for young users," commented a prominent online safety campaigner.

The US: A Fragmented Picture

Across America, action is mostly happening at the regional level due to federal stalemate.

• Utah mandates guardian permission for those under 18 to use social media and controls overnight use.
• Florida has signed a bill prohibiting those below 14 from accessing social media, though it is subject to legal challenges.
• Virginia has passed a law limiting under-16s to one hour of social media use per day, with any further time dependent on parental permission.
• The state of Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and Louisiana have likewise introduced laws mandating guardian approval for teenagers to set up social media presences.

Despite widespread concern and calls from various politicians to follow Australia's example, a nationwide ban is presently seen as improbable.

Worldwide Perspectives

Apart from these regions, other states are also taking action.

• The Malaysian government intends to ban social media for under-16s beginning next year.
• Brazil has lifted the required age for Instagram to 16.

Yet, world bodies take a more cautious tone. A major UN agency has advised that blanket prohibitions have downsides and "may even prove counterproductive". The body highlights that the internet can be a "vital connection" for isolated youth and that bans should not be a "excuse" for social media firms to invest in child safeguards.

As this worldwide debate evolves, the policies of Australia and its followers demonstrate that states internationally are increasingly content to stand by for platforms to self-regulate.