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Australia's decisive policy to ban social platforms access for young people below 16 is creating waves worldwide. Politicians, campaigners, and guardians are watching closely to see if this tactic will inspire imitation for the rest of the world.

The European Movement

Throughout Europe, a growing chorus of states are exploring parallel bans.

• Denmark has stated a ban on social media for under-15s, with the PM stating that mobile devices and apps are "robbing our youngsters' childhood". Legislation may be formalized in the coming year.
• Norway is planning to implement a minimum age limit of 15, citing the need to safeguard young people from the "manipulative force of the algorithms".
• Ireland is introducing a digital ID system to confirm the age and identity of social media users. Authorities have stated that an Australian-model ban could be "one of the measures in reserve".
• In Spain, the prime minister has asked parliament to enact a law lifting the access age for using social media to 16.
• In France, the head of state has floated the idea of a ban for children below 15, and a parliamentary commission has recommended a similar move, alongside an overnight "digital curfew" for older teenagers.
• The authorities in the Netherlands has recommended parents to block their kids from social media up to the age of 15.

At the EU level, the European parliament has adopted a advisory motion calling for a ban for teenagers under 16 without guardian approval is given. While it cautions of the "compulsive" nature of these apps, the step does not establish mandatory rules.

"An effective age limit is a solid first step," commented one MEP driving the measure.

Britain: A Cautious Eye

In the UK, the leadership has remained open to a possible ban, stating that "nothing is discarded" but stressing any decision must be "grounded in strong evidence".

Last year, momentum grew behind a legislative effort to introduce controls on social media use by teenagers, but it was ultimately weakened. Instead, the government pledged to further research the issue.

Advocacy groups have voiced apprehensions. One foundation established by the relatives of a girl who was lost after encountering harmful online content argues that a blanket age ban might not protect children and could create a "dangerous transition" of exposure when users become eligible.

"The Australian ban is a response to the failure of the social media companies to design products and services that are safe and age appropriate for young users," said a prominent peer.

America: A Fragmented Landscape

In the United States, legislation is primarily occurring at the state level due to federal gridlock.

• The state of Utah mandates guardian permission for under-18s to use social media and controls late-night use.
• Florida has signed a measure prohibiting under-14s from creating accounts on social media, though it faces constitutional disputes.
• Virginia has passed a law restricting teenagers to one hour of social media use per day, with extra access requiring a guardian's okay.
• Georgia, Tennessee, and The state of Louisiana have similarly passed laws mandating guardian approval for teenagers to create social media presences.

Even with cross-party agreement and calls from certain figures to copy this lead, a nationwide ban is presently seen as a distant prospect.

International Outlook

Apart from these regions, additional nations are also exploring options.

• Malaysia aims to restrict social media for under-16s beginning next year.
• Brazil has increased the access age for one major platform to 16.

Yet, global agencies adopt a more cautious position. A major UN agency has warned that blanket prohibitions have downsides and "might have unintended consequences". The agency points out that social networks can be a "lifeline" for vulnerable young people and that bans should not be a "substitute" for platform operators to invest in user protection.

While this international conversation continues, the steps of the Australian government and others show that states globally are no longer content to delay for tech companies to self-regulate.