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Australia's controversial move to ban social platforms access for individuals under sixteen is sending ripples internationally. Politicians, campaigners, and families are observing intently to see if this approach will inspire imitation for other nations.

Across Europe Trend

In Europe, a growing group of countries are exploring comparable measures.

• Denmark has stated a ban on social media for children under fifteen, with the leader declaring that mobile devices and platforms are "stealing our kids' youth". The policy could be formalized next year.
• Norway is planning to enforce a age restriction of 15, citing the need to safeguard the young from the "power of the recommendation systems".
• The Irish government is working on a online verification tool to authenticate the user details of social media participants. The media minister have indicated that an similar ban could be "a potential measures on the table".
• In Spain, the leader has called on the legislature to approve a proposal increasing the access age for accessing social media to 16.
• In France, the president has floated the idea of a ban for children below 15, and a government panel has recommended a comparable action, potentially involving an overnight "internet blackout" for 15- to 18-year-olds.
• The government in The Netherlands has advised families to restrict their children from social media until 15.

At the EU level, the EU parliament has approved a non-binding statement calling for a ban for teenagers under 16 except if parental consent is provided. Although it highlights of the "addictive" quality of these platforms, the move does not enact binding law.

"A clear age limit is a solid first step," stated the MEP behind the resolution.

The UK: A Watchful Stance

Across Britain, the administration has remained open to a potential ban, stating that "no option is discarded" but maintaining any action must be "grounded in strong research".

Previously, support grew behind a legislative effort to enact limits on social media use by minors, but it was eventually weakened. However, the government pledged to conduct more studies the issue.

Campaign organizations have expressed apprehensions. One foundation established by the loved ones of a young person who took her own life after encountering dangerous online content argues that a strict age ban might not protect children and could lead to a "dangerous transition" of exposure when users turn 16.

"This ban is a answer to the inability of the tech sector to create products and services that are secure and age appropriate for minors," said a leading peer.

America: A State-by-State Picture

In the United States, legislation is mostly occurring at the state level amid national inaction.

• Utah requires adult approval for minors to use social media and limits late-night use.
• The state of Florida has signed a measure barring those below 14 from joining social media, though it is subject to constitutional disputes.
• Virginia has passed a regulation limiting teenagers to one hour of social media time per day, with additional time requiring parental permission.
• Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have likewise introduced laws demanding guardian approval for teenagers to set up social media presences.

Even with widespread concern and calls from various individuals to mimic the Australian path, a federal ban is currently seen as improbable.

International Perspectives

Outside of the West, other states are also taking action.

• Malaysia plans to prohibit social media for under-16s starting from next year.
• Brazil has raised the required age for the platform Instagram to 16.

However, world agencies adopt a more nuanced position. Unicef has advised that blanket prohibitions have downsides and "could have unintended consequences". The body points out that online platforms can be a "vital connection" for marginalized youth and that bans should not be a "excuse" for platform operators to invest in safety.

While this global conversation continues, the steps of the Australian government and several other countries demonstrate that policymakers around the world are no longer content to delay for platforms to self-regulate.