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Australia's bold policy to ban social platforms access for individuals under sixteen is sending ripples worldwide. Politicians, safety advocates, and families are monitoring with great interest to see if this strategy will become a template for countries abroad.

European Momentum

Across Europe, a increasing number of countries are moving toward similar measures.

• The Danish government has stated a prohibition on social media for youth below 15, with the leader stating that phones and apps are "taking away our children's innocence". The policy may be passed next year.
• The Norwegian government is set to enforce a minimum age limit of 15, pointing to the need to shield children from the "manipulative force of the recommendation systems".
• The Irish government is developing a digital wallet to verify the identity and age of social media users. The media minister have stated that an similar ban is "a potential measures in reserve".
• In Spain, the president has urged the legislature to enact a proposal lifting the minimum age for joining social media to 16.
• In France, the president has proposed a ban for those under fifteen, and a government panel has endorsed a comparable action, potentially involving an overnight "internet blackout" for 15- to 18-year-olds.
• The government in The Netherlands has advised guardians to restrict their youngsters from social media up to the age of 15.

At the EU level, the EU parliament has adopted a non-binding resolution calling for a ban for under-16s except if guardian approval is granted. While it warns of the "habit-forming" quality of these platforms, the resolution does not establish mandatory rules.

"A strong age barrier is a useful first step," stated a leading European lawmaker supporting the measure.

The United Kingdom: A Watchful Approach

In the UK, the leadership has not ruled out a potential ban, arguing that "nothing is off the table" but maintaining any policy must be "grounded in conclusive research".

Previously, momentum built behind a bill to enact restrictions on social media use by teenagers, but it was eventually weakened. However, the administration committed to further research the matter.

Campaign organizations have voiced concerns. An organization founded by the relatives of a girl who took her own life after viewing dangerous online content argues that a simple age ban could fail to improve online safety and could create a "sudden drop-off" of harm when young people turn 16.

"The Australian ban is a answer to the failure of the tech sector to create platforms and apps that are secure and age appropriate for young users," commented a influential child protection advocate.

The United States: A Fragmented Landscape

Stateside, legislation is mostly occurring at the regional level against a backdrop of country-wide gridlock.

• Utah requires parental consent for minors to use social media and restricts overnight use.
• Florida has enacted a bill prohibiting under-14s from creating accounts on social media, though it is entangled in legal challenges.
• The state of Virginia has approved a rule restricting minors to one hour of social media access per day, with any further access requiring parental permission.
• Georgia, Tennessee, and The state of Louisiana have similarly introduced laws mandating guardian approval for under-16s to open social media presences.

Despite widespread concern and calls from certain politicians to copy this example, a US-wide ban is currently seen as a distant prospect.

Worldwide Views

Beyond Europe and the US, further countries are likewise taking action.

• The Malaysian government plans to prohibit social media for under-16s starting from next year.
• Brazil has lifted the minimum age for one major platform to 16.

However, world agencies adopt a more measured stance. Unicef has advised that social media bans carry risks and "could prove counterproductive". The agency highlights that the internet can be a "vital connection" for vulnerable children and that regulation should not be a "replacement" for tech companies to invest in user protection.

While this global conversation unfolds, the actions of the Australian government and several other countries demonstrate that governments around the world are less and less content to delay for platforms to self-regulate.