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The Australian controversial policy to prohibit social platforms access for individuals under sixteen is sending ripples around the globe. Politicians, safety advocates, and parents are observing with great interest to see if this tactic will inspire imitation for other nations.

Across Europe Trend

In Europe, a growing group of states are moving toward parallel bans.

• The Danish government plans a restriction on social media for youth below 15, with the PM declaring that mobile devices and networks are "robbing our youngsters' childhood". The policy could be passed in the coming year.
• Norway is planning to enforce a access barrier of 15, citing the need to safeguard the young from the "manipulative force of the AI".
• Ireland is working on a digital ID system to authenticate the age and identity of social media account holders. Officials have indicated that an similar ban could be "an tools under consideration".
• In Spain, the president has urged parliament to enact a bill raising the legal age for using social media to 16.
• In France, the president has threatened a ban for those under fifteen, and a government panel has endorsed a related action, including an overnight "digital curfew" for adolescents.
• The authorities in The Dutch government has recommended families to block their youngsters from social media up to the age of 15.

For the broader EU, the European parliament has adopted a advisory motion supporting a ban for teenagers under 16 unless guardian approval is granted. Even though it warns of the "addictive" design of these apps, the step does not create mandatory rules.

"An effective age restriction is a useful starting point," commented a leading parliamentarian supporting the resolution.

The UK: An Evidence-Based Eye

For the United Kingdom, the administration has kept open a future ban, emphasizing that "no option is discarded" but stressing any decision must be "based on conclusive research".

Previously, interest built behind a bill to impose restrictions on social media use by under-16s, but it was ultimately weakened. However, the administration committed to conduct more studies the issue.

Charities have expressed concerns. A prominent charity founded by the family of a teenager who took her own life after encountering harmful online content argues that a blanket age ban might not improve online safety and could result in a "cliff edge" of harm when teens reach the legal age.

"This ban is a response to the inability of the tech sector to create products and services that are secure and fit for minors," said a leading online safety campaigner.

The United States: A Decentralized Approach

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

• The state of Utah requires guardian permission for under-18s to use social media and controls nighttime use.
• The state of Florida has signed a bill banning children under fourteen from joining social media, though it faces legal challenges.
• Virginia has approved a regulation limiting teenagers to one hour of social media access per day, with extra access requiring parental permission.
• Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and Louisiana have similarly enacted bills demanding adult authorization for under-16s to create social media accounts.

Even with cross-party agreement and proposals from some figures to copy Australia's path, a US-wide ban is presently seen as unlikely.

Global Views

Beyond Europe and the US, other nations are also considering moves.

• Malaysia intends to restrict social media for teenagers beginning next year.
• Brazil has increased the minimum age for one major platform to 16.

However, global organizations take a more cautious stance. The UN children's agency has cautioned that age-based restrictions pose dangers and "may even backfire". The organization highlights that social networks can be a "vital connection" for vulnerable children and that government action should not be a "substitute" for platform operators to invest in user protection.

Even as this worldwide debate unfolds, the steps of this nation and several other countries show that policymakers internationally are no longer content to stand by for the industry to make changes on their own.