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Australia's controversial policy to prohibit social platforms access for those under 16 is sending ripples around the globe. Lawmakers, safety advocates, and parents are observing intently to see if this tactic will set a precedent for the rest of the world.

European Trend

Across Europe, a rising number of nations are exploring similar bans.

• Denmark has stated a prohibition on social media for children under fifteen, with the PM declaring that mobile devices and platforms are "taking away our children's youth". Legislation may be enacted soon.
• The Norwegian government is planning to enforce a age restriction of 15, citing the need to protect the young from the "power of the recommendation systems".
• The Irish government is developing a online verification tool to verify the age and identity of social media users. Authorities have suggested that an Australia-style ban remains "one of the measures under consideration".
• In Spain, the prime minister has urged lawmakers to approve a bill lifting the access age for using social media to 16.
• In France, the head of state has threatened a ban for children below 15, and a legislative committee has endorsed a similar move, including an overnight "screen time restriction" for 15- to 18-year-olds.
• The administration in The Netherlands has recommended parents to block their youngsters from social media up to the age of 15.

For the broader EU, the European parliament has approved a advisory motion supporting a ban for minors except if parental consent is granted. Although it cautions of the "compulsive" quality of these apps, the step does not establish mandatory rules.

"A clear age barrier is a useful starting point," stated a leading MEP supporting the measure.

The UK: An Evidence-Based Stance

Across Britain, the leadership has kept open a potential ban, arguing that "nothing is being dismissed" but maintaining any decision must be "grounded in strong research".

Last year, interest gathered behind a bill to introduce restrictions on social media use by minors, but it was in the end weakened. Nonetheless, the government pledged to further research the matter.

Charities have voiced warnings. A prominent charity established by the family of a girl who took her own life after encountering harmful online content argues that a blanket age ban could fail to protect children and could result in a "sudden drop-off" of exposure when users become eligible.

"Australia's ban is a answer to the refusal of the tech sector to build products and services that are secure and age appropriate for minors," stated a prominent child protection advocate.

The United States: A Fragmented Approach

Stateside, regulation is mostly unfolding at the regional level due to national inaction.

• Utah demands guardian permission for under-18s to use social media and limits nighttime use.
• The state of Florida has passed a bill prohibiting children under fourteen from accessing social media, though it is entangled in court battles.
• Virginia has passed a law restricting teenagers to 60 minutes of social media access per day, with any further use needing parental permission.
• Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have similarly enacted bills demanding guardian approval for teenagers to create social media profiles.

Even with widespread concern and suggestions from some politicians to mimic Australia's lead, a nationwide ban is presently seen as unlikely.

International Outlook

Beyond these regions, other states are also taking action.

• The Malaysian government plans to ban social media for those under sixteen starting from next year.
• The Brazilian authorities has raised the required age for the platform Instagram to 16.

However, world organizations take a more cautious stance. Unicef has cautioned that social media bans pose dangers and "might prove counterproductive". The agency points out that the internet can be a "vital connection" for marginalized children and that government action should not be a "replacement" for social media firms to prioritize safety.

Even as this international conversation continues, the steps of this nation and its followers indicate that policymakers around the world are increasingly content to wait for tech companies to make changes on their own.