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Australia's bold policy to restrict social platforms access for those under 16 is creating waves around the globe. Lawmakers, safety advocates, and guardians are observing closely to see if this strategy will inspire imitation for other nations.

Across Europe Movement

In Europe, a growing chorus of countries are moving toward parallel bans.

• Denmark has stated a prohibition on social media for under-15s, with the leader declaring that phones and apps are "robbing our kids' innocence". Legislation could be formalized in the coming year.
• The Norwegian government is planning to implement a access barrier of 15, citing the need to safeguard children from the "manipulative force of the algorithms".
• The Irish government is introducing a digital wallet to verify the age and identity of social media account holders. The media minister have indicated that an Australian-model ban could be "one of the measures under consideration".
• In Spain, the leader has called on the legislature to approve a law lifting the legal age for joining social media to 16.
• In France, the leader has floated the idea of a ban for children below 15, and a government panel has recommended a comparable step, including an overnight "digital curfew" for adolescents.
• The administration in The Netherlands has advised guardians to restrict their children from social media before 15.

For the broader EU, the EU parliament has passed a non-binding motion demanding a ban for under-16s except if a parent decides otherwise is provided. While it cautions of the "compulsive" design of these platforms, the step does not enact enforceable legislation.

"A strong age limit is a good starting point," said a leading European lawmaker behind the resolution.

Britain: An Evidence-Based Approach

Across Britain, the leadership has not ruled out a future ban, emphasizing that "no measure is being dismissed" but insisting any action must be "grounded in strong evidence".

Previously, interest built behind a bill to enact controls on social media use by under-16s, but it was eventually weakened. However, the administration pledged to conduct more studies the issue.

Charities have expressed apprehensions. One foundation established by the loved ones of a young person who took her own life after encountering disturbing online content contends that a strict age ban could fail to protect children and could create a "cliff edge" of exposure when users reach the legal age.

"This ban is a reaction to the inability of the social media companies to build tools that are appropriate and suitable for young users," stated a leading child protection advocate.

The United States: A State-by-State Approach

Across America, action is primarily unfolding at the state government level amid country-wide gridlock.

• Utah demands adult approval for under-18s to use social media and controls nighttime use.
• Florida has passed a measure prohibiting those below 14 from accessing social media, though it faces court battles.
• The state of Virginia has passed a law capping minors to 60 minutes of social media time per day, with any further time needing parental permission.
• The state of Georgia, Tennessee, and The state of Louisiana have also passed measures mandating parental consent for minors to set up social media profiles.

Despite cross-party agreement and suggestions from various individuals to copy this example, a US-wide ban is currently seen as improbable.

Worldwide Perspectives

Beyond the West, further states are likewise exploring options.

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

Yet, international organizations adopt a more nuanced tone. The UN children's agency has advised that age-based restrictions pose dangers and "may even backfire". The body points out that the internet can be a "vital connection" for vulnerable young people and that bans should not be a "excuse" for platform operators to improve user protection.

As this international discussion continues, the actions of this nation and several other countries demonstrate that policymakers globally are less and less content to stand by for platforms to self-regulate.