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Australia's controversial policy to ban social platforms access for individuals under sixteen is sending ripples around the globe. Lawmakers, safety advocates, and parents are watching intently to see if this approach will become a template for other nations.

The European Movement

Throughout Europe, a increasing chorus of nations are exploring parallel bans.

• The Danish government has stated a restriction on social media for children under fifteen, with the PM stating that smartphones and networks are "robbing our children's childhood". A law is expected to be enacted soon.
• Norway is planning to introduce a minimum age limit of 15, highlighting the need to shield the young from the "power of the recommendation systems".
• Ireland is developing a digital ID system to authenticate the age and identity of social media account holders. The media minister have stated that an similar ban remains "an options in reserve".
• In The Spanish government, the prime minister has called on parliament to pass a bill lifting the access age for joining social media to 16.
• In France, the head of state has threatened a ban for children below 15, and a government panel has recommended a related move, potentially involving an overnight "digital curfew" for adolescents.
• The government in The Netherlands has advised guardians to restrict their youngsters from social media up to the age of 15.

Across the European Union, the EU parliament has adopted a advisory resolution demanding a ban for minors without parental consent is given. Even though it warns of the "compulsive" quality of these services, the step does not create mandatory rules.

"An effective age limit is a useful first step," commented the European lawmaker behind the measure.

The UK: A Cautious Stance

For the United Kingdom, the government has remained open to a possible ban, arguing that "no measure is off the table" but maintaining any decision must be "grounded in strong evidence".

Earlier, interest built behind a legislative effort to introduce restrictions on social media use by teenagers, but it was eventually watered down. Instead, the government pledged to further research the issue.

Advocacy groups have voiced warnings. One foundation established by the relatives of a young person who was lost after viewing dangerous online content argues that a simple age ban may not protect children and could create a "cliff edge" of exposure when young people reach the legal age.

"This ban is a response to the failure of the tech sector to build products and services that are secure and age appropriate for minors," stated a prominent child protection advocate.

America: A State-by-State Approach

Stateside, legislation is largely occurring at the state level due to country-wide stalemate.

• Utah mandates adult approval for under-18s to use social media and controls late-night use.
• Florida has signed a law barring under-14s from joining social media, though it is entangled in constitutional disputes.
• Virginia has approved a rule limiting teenagers to 60 minutes of social media use per day, with additional use requiring a guardian's okay.
• Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and The state of Louisiana have also introduced laws demanding adult authorization for teenagers to set up social media profiles.

Even with bipartisan support and suggestions from some individuals to copy Australia's example, a nationwide ban is currently seen as a distant prospect.

Worldwide Views

Outside of the West, additional countries are likewise exploring options.

• Malaysia aims to prohibit social media for teenagers effective next year.
• Brazil has lifted the access age for Instagram to 16.

Yet, international organizations adopt a more cautious stance. The UN children's agency has warned that age-based restrictions have downsides and "might have unintended consequences". The body highlights that social networks can be a "lifeline" for marginalized children and that bans should not be a "substitute" for social media firms to improve safety.

While this global discussion unfolds, the actions of the Australian government and several other countries indicate that governments internationally are no longer willing to delay for tech companies to self-regulate.