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Australia's bold move to ban social platforms access for individuals under sixteen is sending ripples worldwide. Politicians, campaigners, and parents are watching closely to see if this strategy will inspire imitation for countries abroad.

The European Momentum

In Europe, a growing number of nations are moving toward similar measures.

• Denmark has stated a restriction on social media for under-15s, with the prime minister arguing that mobile devices and platforms are "taking away our youngsters' childhood". A law could be passed next year.
• The Norwegian government is planning to implement a access barrier of 15, highlighting the need to shield children from the "influence of the algorithms".
• Ireland is introducing a digital wallet to verify the age and identity of social media participants. Authorities have suggested that an similar ban is "a potential options in reserve".
• In Spain, the leader has called on parliament to enact a proposal increasing the legal age for using social media to 16.
• In France, the leader has floated the idea of a ban for under-15s, and a parliamentary commission has suggested a comparable move, alongside an overnight "screen time restriction" for older teenagers.
• The government in The Dutch government has urged families to restrict their youngsters from social media before 15.

For the broader EU, the EU parliament has adopted a symbolic motion calling for a ban for teenagers under 16 except if a parent decides otherwise is given. Although it highlights of the "addictive" quality of these platforms, the move does not create binding law.

"A clear age barrier is a useful first step," commented a leading parliamentarian supporting the initiative.

The UK: An Evidence-Based Eye

For the United Kingdom, the leadership has not ruled out a possible ban, emphasizing that "no option is being dismissed" but insisting any decision must be "based on conclusive evidence".

Earlier, interest gathered behind a legislative effort to enact controls on social media use by minors, but it was ultimately weakened. Instead, the government committed to further research the matter.

Charities have expressed warnings. A prominent charity established by the relatives of a young person who died after being exposed to disturbing online content contends that a blanket age ban could fail to improve online safety and could create a "cliff edge" of harm when users become eligible.

"Australia's ban is a reaction to the refusal of the tech sector to create platforms and apps that are secure and age appropriate for young users," said a influential peer.

The United States: A Decentralized Approach

Stateside, action is mostly unfolding at the local government level against a backdrop of federal inaction.

• Utah requires adult approval for minors to use social media and limits overnight use.
• The state of Florida has signed a bill banning under-14s from creating accounts on social media, though it is entangled in court battles.
• The state of Virginia has approved a regulation restricting teenagers to 60 minutes of social media time per day, with extra use needing adult consent.
• The state of Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have similarly enacted measures demanding guardian approval for under-16s to set up social media profiles.

Even with widespread concern and suggestions from some individuals to copy the Australian example, a US-wide ban is currently seen as improbable.

Worldwide Perspectives

Beyond Europe and the US, other states are likewise considering moves.

• The Malaysian government intends to prohibit social media for under-16s starting from next year.
• Brazil has lifted the required age for the platform Instagram to 16.

But, international organizations take a more measured tone. Unicef has advised that age-based restrictions carry risks and "could prove counterproductive". The organization notes that social networks can be a "critical link" for marginalized young people and that bans should not be a "excuse" for social media firms to invest in user protection.

As this international conversation evolves, the steps of Australia and several other countries demonstrate that governments globally are no longer willing to wait for the industry to make changes on their own.