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Australia's bold move to prohibit social platforms access for young people below 16 is sending ripples internationally. Politicians, campaigners, and families are monitoring intently to see if this tactic will inspire imitation for countries abroad.

The European Trend

Across Europe, a increasing chorus of nations are exploring similar measures.

• The Danish government has stated a ban on social media for under-15s, with the PM stating that smartphones and networks are "stealing our youngsters' youth". Legislation could be formalized soon.
• The Norwegian government is set to enforce a access barrier of 15, citing the need to shield young people from the "manipulative force of the recommendation systems".
• The Irish government is introducing a digital wallet to confirm the identity and age of social media users. Officials have indicated that an similar ban could be "one of the options in reserve".
• In Spain, the president has called on lawmakers to pass a bill increasing the minimum age for using 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 government panel has endorsed a comparable action, alongside an overnight "digital curfew" for 15- to 18-year-olds.
• The government in the Netherlands has advised parents to prevent their youngsters from social media until 15.

Across the European Union, the European parliament has adopted a non-binding resolution demanding a ban for minors without a parent decides otherwise is given. While it highlights of the "compulsive" design of these apps, the resolution does not establish enforceable legislation.

"A strong age limit is a solid first step," commented a leading European lawmaker driving the measure.

The United Kingdom: An Evidence-Based Eye

For the United Kingdom, the administration has not ruled out a future ban, stating that "no option is off the table" but insisting any action must be "supported by robust evidence".

Earlier, momentum gathered behind a proposal to enact limits on social media use by under-16s, but it was eventually weakened. Nonetheless, the government committed to conduct more studies the matter.

Charities have expressed apprehensions. One foundation set up by the loved ones of a girl who died after viewing harmful online content argues that a simple age ban may not protect children and could lead to a "dangerous transition" of risk when users turn 16.

"This ban is a reaction to the inability of the Silicon Valley to create platforms and apps that are secure and age appropriate for children," said a influential child protection advocate.

The United States: A Decentralized Picture

Across America, legislation is primarily occurring at the state level against a backdrop of federal gridlock.

• The state of Utah mandates adult approval for those under 18 to use social media and limits nighttime use.
• The state of Florida has signed a measure banning under-14s from joining social media, though it is entangled in constitutional disputes.
• Virginia has enacted a rule restricting teenagers to 60 minutes of social media use per day, with any further access requiring a guardian's okay.
• Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and The state of Louisiana have similarly enacted measures mandating adult authorization for teenagers to create social media accounts.

Even with bipartisan support and calls from various individuals to mimic the Australian path, a US-wide ban is presently seen as a distant prospect.

International Outlook

Outside of the West, further states are likewise taking action.

• Malaysia intends to ban social media for those under sixteen starting from next year.
• Brazil has raised the access age for Instagram to 16.

But, world bodies adopt a more cautious position. Unicef has cautioned that social media bans have downsides and "might have unintended consequences". The organization notes that social networks can be a "vital connection" for vulnerable children and that regulation should not be a "substitute" for social media firms to prioritize child safeguards.

Even as this global debate unfolds, the steps of Australia and several other countries demonstrate that policymakers around the world are increasingly willing to stand by for platforms to make changes on their own.