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The Australian controversial policy to prohibit social platforms access for those under 16 is sending ripples internationally. Lawmakers, campaigners, and guardians are watching intently to see if this approach will become a template for other nations.

The European Momentum

Throughout Europe, a rising number of nations are considering similar restrictions.

• Denmark plans a ban on social media for youth below 15, with the prime minister stating that smartphones and networks are "taking away our kids' youth". The policy is expected to be enacted soon.
• Norway is planning to introduce a minimum age limit of 15, citing the need to safeguard the young from the "influence of the AI".
• Ireland is introducing a online verification tool to confirm the identity and age of social media participants. Officials have stated that an similar ban remains "one of the options in reserve".
• In The Spanish government, the prime minister has called on parliament to approve a law lifting the access age for joining social media to 16.
• In France, the head of state has proposed a ban for under-15s, and a government panel has recommended a similar move, including an overnight "screen time restriction" for adolescents.
• The government in The Dutch government has urged guardians to prevent their children from social media before 15.

At the EU level, the EU parliament has passed a symbolic statement demanding a ban for minors without a parent decides otherwise is given. Although it highlights of the "addictive" design of these platforms, the resolution does not create binding law.

"A strong age limit is a good starting point," stated the MEP driving the resolution.

The UK: A Watchful Stance

Across Britain, the government has remained open to a future ban, stating that "nothing is off the table" but insisting any policy must be "supported by strong evidence".

Previously, interest built behind a bill to introduce restrictions on social media use by teenagers, but it was ultimately weakened. Nonetheless, the government committed to conduct more studies the topic.

Advocacy groups have expressed apprehensions. A prominent charity set up by the family of a teenager who died after encountering dangerous online content suggests that a blanket age ban may not improve online safety and could lead to a "dangerous transition" of exposure when teens reach the legal age.

"Australia's ban is a response to the failure of the tech sector to design platforms and apps that are secure and fit for young users," said a leading online safety campaigner.

The United States: A Decentralized Approach

Stateside, regulation is mostly unfolding at the state level against a backdrop of country-wide stalemate.

• Utah requires adult approval for those under 18 to use social media and limits overnight use.
• The state of Florida has enacted a law banning under-14s from accessing social media, though it faces legal challenges.
• The state of Virginia has approved a rule limiting minors to 60 minutes of social media access per day, with any further time needing adult consent.
• Georgia, Tennessee, and The state of Louisiana have also passed bills mandating parental consent for under-16s to set up social media presences.

Even with widespread concern and calls from various individuals to follow this path, a nationwide ban is presently seen as a distant prospect.

Worldwide Perspectives

Beyond these regions, further states are likewise exploring options.

• Malaysia plans to restrict social media for those under sixteen beginning next year.
• The Brazilian authorities has raised the access age for one major platform to 16.

However, international bodies strike a more measured position. Unicef has warned that social media bans carry risks and "could prove counterproductive". The organization points out that the internet can be a "critical link" for marginalized youth and that bans should not be a "replacement" for platform operators to improve user protection.

Even as this worldwide discussion continues, the actions of Australia and several other countries indicate that governments globally are no longer prepared to wait for platforms to self-regulate.