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Australia's controversial policy to ban social platforms access for those under 16 is sending ripples worldwide. Lawmakers, campaigners, and guardians are monitoring closely to see if this strategy will set a precedent for countries abroad.

The European Movement

In Europe, a increasing number of states are considering comparable restrictions.

• Denmark plans a restriction on social media for children under fifteen, with the prime minister arguing that mobile devices and platforms are "taking away our youngsters' childhood". Legislation may be formalized in the coming year.
• Norway is planning to implement a age restriction of 15, highlighting the need to shield children from the "power of the recommendation systems".
• The Irish government is working on a online verification tool to authenticate the identity and age of social media users. Authorities have indicated that an Australia-style ban could be "a potential measures on the table".
• In The Spanish government, the leader has called on lawmakers to enact a proposal increasing the legal age for accessing social media to 16.
• In France, the head of state has floated the idea of a ban for children below 15, and a legislative committee has suggested a comparable step, including an overnight "internet blackout" for adolescents.
• The government in The Dutch government has recommended families to prevent their kids from social media until 15.

For the broader EU, the European parliament has adopted a symbolic motion calling for a ban for minors unless parental consent is provided. While it highlights of the "compulsive" quality of these apps, the move does not create binding law.

"A clear age restriction is a useful first step," stated the MEP driving the measure.

The United Kingdom: A Cautious Stance

In the UK, the government has not ruled out a potential ban, stating that "nothing is discarded" but stressing any action must be "supported by strong evidence".

Earlier, momentum gathered behind a proposal to introduce controls on social media use by teenagers, but it was eventually modified. However, the administration pledged to conduct more studies the topic.

Charities have raised warnings. An organization founded by the relatives of a teenager who took her own life after viewing disturbing online content contends that a strict age ban may not protect children and could result in a "dangerous transition" of risk when teens become eligible.

"The Australian ban is a answer to the refusal of the social media companies to create tools that are secure and age appropriate for children," commented a prominent peer.

America: A Fragmented Approach

In the United States, legislation is largely occurring at the state level against a backdrop of national inaction.

• The state of Utah requires guardian permission for those under 18 to use social media and limits nighttime use.
• Florida has enacted a bill prohibiting under-14s from accessing social media, though it is subject to constitutional disputes.
• The state of Virginia has passed a rule restricting teenagers to one hour of social media use per day, with any further use dependent on parental permission.
• Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and Louisiana have likewise enacted measures requiring adult authorization for minors to create social media profiles.

Despite widespread concern and suggestions from certain figures to mimic this path, a nationwide ban is currently seen as unlikely.

International Perspectives

Apart from Europe and the US, other nations are likewise considering moves.

• Malaysia aims to ban social media for those under sixteen effective next year.
• Brazil has increased the required age for one major platform to 16.

Yet, international agencies strike a more cautious position. A major UN agency has cautioned that age-based restrictions pose dangers and "could prove counterproductive". The organization highlights that social networks can be a "vital connection" for marginalized youth and that government action should not be a "substitute" for platform operators to improve safety.

While this global conversation evolves, the steps of this nation and others indicate that governments internationally are no longer content to stand by for platforms to make changes on their own.