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Australia's bold move to prohibit social platforms access for those under 16 is sending ripples around the globe. Politicians, child protection groups, and guardians are watching intently to see if this approach will become a template for other nations.

Across Europe Movement

Throughout Europe, a increasing group of states are considering similar measures.

• Denmark has announced a ban on social media for under-15s, with the leader arguing that mobile devices and networks are "robbing our kids' childhood". Legislation may be enacted next year.
• Norway is set to enforce a access barrier of 15, highlighting the need to protect young people from the "power of the recommendation systems".
• Ireland is working on a digital wallet to confirm the identity and age of social media participants. Authorities have suggested that an Australian-model ban remains "an measures under consideration".
• In Spain, the prime minister has asked parliament to pass a law increasing the legal age for accessing social media to 16.
• In France, the president has proposed a ban for children below 15, and a parliamentary commission has suggested a comparable step, potentially involving an overnight "internet blackout" for 15- to 18-year-olds.
• The government in The Dutch government has advised guardians to prevent their children from social media up to the age of 15.

For the broader EU, the bloc's legislature has passed a non-binding motion supporting a ban for teenagers under 16 without guardian approval is provided. Even though it cautions of the "compulsive" quality of these apps, the step does not create enforceable legislation.

"A clear age restriction is a good starting point," stated a leading MEP behind the initiative.

Britain: An Evidence-Based Eye

For the United Kingdom, the administration has remained open to a possible ban, stating that "nothing is being dismissed" but maintaining any policy must be "supported by strong data".

Last year, interest built behind a bill to enact limits on social media use by teenagers, but it was in the end watered down. Nonetheless, the administration vowed to investigate the issue.

Advocacy groups have raised concerns. A prominent charity established by the family of a teenager who died after being exposed to dangerous social media material argues that a strict age ban might not improve online safety and could lead to a "sudden drop-off" of exposure when young people turn 16.

"This ban is a answer to the failure of the tech sector to design products and services that are safe and age appropriate for young users," stated a influential child protection advocate.

America: A Fragmented Picture

Across America, legislation is primarily occurring at the state level amid national gridlock.

• The state of Utah requires adult approval for minors to use social media and limits overnight use.
• Florida has enacted a measure banning children under fourteen from creating accounts on social media, though it is entangled in legal challenges.
• The state of Virginia has enacted a regulation restricting teenagers to one hour of social media time per day, with any further time dependent on adult consent.
• The state of Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have also enacted laws demanding guardian approval for teenagers to create social media profiles.

Even with widespread concern and proposals from some individuals to mimic the Australian example, a US-wide ban is presently seen as a distant prospect.

Worldwide Views

Beyond these regions, further nations are also taking action.

• Malaysia aims to prohibit social media for those under sixteen effective next year.
• The Brazilian authorities has raised the required age for Instagram to 16.

Yet, global organizations adopt a more cautious tone. Unicef has cautioned that age-based restrictions pose dangers and "could have unintended consequences". The organization highlights that the internet can be a "critical link" for isolated youth and that government action should not be a "replacement" for social media firms to prioritize safety.

While this worldwide conversation continues, the policies of the Australian government and several other countries show that governments around the world are no longer willing to wait for the industry to self-regulate.