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The Australian controversial action to prohibit social platforms access for those under 16 is sending ripples worldwide. Lawmakers, child protection groups, and guardians are observing with great interest to see if this tactic will inspire imitation for the rest of the world.

Across Europe Movement

Throughout Europe, a rising chorus of nations are exploring similar restrictions.

• Denmark plans a ban on social media for children under fifteen, with the prime minister stating that mobile devices and apps are "robbing our kids' youth". The policy could be enacted in the coming year.
• Norway is preparing to implement a access barrier of 15, highlighting the need to shield young people from the "manipulative force of the recommendation systems".
• The Irish government is developing a digital ID system to confirm the identity and age of social media participants. Authorities have stated that an similar ban is "an tools on the table".
• In Spain, the president has called on parliament to pass a proposal increasing the access age for joining social media to 16.
• In The French government, the head of state has floated the idea of a ban for under-15s, and a parliamentary commission has suggested a related move, alongside an overnight "digital curfew" for 15- to 18-year-olds.
• The authorities in the Netherlands has advised families to block their kids from social media up to the age of 15.

At the EU level, the bloc's legislature has approved a symbolic statement supporting a ban for under-16s unless guardian approval is given. While it highlights of the "habit-forming" design of these apps, the move does not enact mandatory rules.

"A clear age limit is a good starting point," stated a leading parliamentarian driving the resolution.

The UK: A Cautious Approach

For the United Kingdom, the administration has not ruled out a potential ban, arguing that "no option is off the table" but insisting any decision must be "grounded in conclusive research".

Previously, support grew behind a bill to introduce controls on social media use by minors, but it was eventually watered down. Nonetheless, the administration vowed to investigate the matter.

Advocacy groups have voiced concerns. A prominent charity set up by the relatives of a teenager who took her own life after being exposed to disturbing online content contends that a strict age ban could fail to make platforms safer and could result in a "cliff edge" of harm when young people reach the legal age.

"The Australian ban is a answer to the refusal of the tech sector to build tools that are secure and suitable for children," commented a prominent online safety campaigner.

The US: A State-by-State Approach

In the United States, legislation is mostly unfolding at the state level due to federal inaction.

• The state of Utah mandates guardian permission for those under 18 to use social media and limits late-night use.
• Florida has enacted a law barring children under fourteen from joining social media, though it is subject to legal challenges.
• Virginia has approved a regulation restricting teenagers to a single hour of social media access per day, with extra time requiring parental permission.
• Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have similarly enacted bills mandating adult authorization for under-16s to open social media presences.

Despite cross-party agreement and proposals from certain individuals to follow Australia's lead, a nationwide ban is currently seen as unlikely.

International Outlook

Apart from Europe and the US, other states are similarly exploring options.

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

Yet, international bodies adopt a more nuanced position. The UN children's agency has warned that age-based restrictions pose dangers and "could backfire". The body highlights that social networks can be a "vital connection" for vulnerable youth and that government action should not be a "substitute" for social media firms to invest in safety.

While this worldwide debate unfolds, the policies of the Australian government and its followers demonstrate that governments around the world are increasingly prepared to stand by for the industry to act voluntarily.