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The Australian controversial action to restrict social platforms access for individuals under sixteen is sending ripples around the globe. Officials, child protection groups, and parents are observing with great interest to see if this tactic will set a precedent for the rest of the world.

Across Europe Momentum

Across Europe, a growing group of nations are considering parallel bans.

• The Danish government has stated a ban on social media for youth below 15, with the PM arguing that phones and apps are "taking away our youngsters' youth". The policy is expected to be formalized in the coming year.
• The Norwegian government 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 ID system to authenticate the user details of social media participants. Authorities have suggested that an Australian-model ban could be "one of the options in reserve".
• In The Spanish government, the president has urged lawmakers to approve a bill raising the minimum age for joining social media to 16.
• In The French government, the leader has threatened a ban for children below 15, and a government panel has suggested a related move, potentially involving an overnight "screen time restriction" for older teenagers.
• The authorities in The Netherlands has urged guardians to block their children from social media before 15.

At the EU level, the bloc's legislature has approved a symbolic resolution demanding a ban for minors without a parent decides otherwise is provided. Even though it cautions of the "addictive" nature of these platforms, the step does not establish binding law.

"An effective age restriction is a solid foundation," said the European lawmaker supporting the measure.

The United Kingdom: A Watchful Approach

Across Britain, the administration has remained open to a possible ban, stating that "no option is being dismissed" but maintaining any policy must be "grounded in robust data".

Earlier, interest gathered behind a bill to impose limits on social media use by minors, but it was ultimately modified. Instead, the administration committed to further research the matter.

Charities have raised concerns. One foundation established by the relatives of a teenager who took her own life after encountering disturbing online content argues that a simple age ban could fail to improve online safety and could result in a "cliff edge" of harm when teens reach the legal age.

"Australia's ban is a response to the inability of the social media companies to design tools that are appropriate and suitable for children," stated a prominent child protection advocate.

The United States: A Fragmented Picture

Stateside, regulation is primarily happening at the state government level due to national inaction.

• Utah mandates parental consent for those under 18 to use social media and controls nighttime use.
• Florida has passed a law banning children under fourteen from joining social media, though it is entangled in legal challenges.
• The state of Virginia has passed a rule capping under-16s to one hour of social media use per day, with additional time dependent on a guardian's okay.
• Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have likewise enacted bills demanding guardian approval for minors to open social media profiles.

Even with bipartisan support and calls from some figures to mimic the Australian example, a nationwide ban is presently seen as unlikely.

Global Perspectives

Beyond Europe and the US, other states are similarly considering moves.

• The Malaysian government plans to prohibit social media for under-16s beginning next year.
• Brazil has raised the access age for one major platform to 16.

Yet, global organizations strike a more nuanced position. The UN children's agency has advised that age-based restrictions carry risks and "may even have unintended consequences". The body highlights that social networks can be a "lifeline" for vulnerable youth and that bans should not be a "substitute" for tech companies to invest in user protection.

Even as this international debate evolves, the actions of the Australian government and others show that states globally are less and less prepared to wait for platforms to self-regulate.