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Australia's controversial move to prohibit social platforms access for those under 16 is creating waves internationally. Lawmakers, safety advocates, and families are watching intently to see if this tactic will set a precedent for other nations.

Across Europe Movement

In Europe, a growing group of nations are exploring comparable bans.

• The Danish government has stated a ban on social media for youth below 15, with the leader arguing that phones and apps are "taking away our youngsters' innocence". The policy is expected to be passed in the coming year.
• Norway is preparing to enforce a access barrier of 15, citing the need to shield children from the "power of the recommendation systems".
• Ireland is working on a online verification tool to authenticate the identity and age of social media account holders. The media minister have suggested that an similar ban is "one of the tools in reserve".
• In Spain, the leader has asked lawmakers to enact a bill lifting the legal age for using social media to 16.
• In France, the head of state has proposed a ban for those under fifteen, and a parliamentary commission has recommended a similar step, including an overnight "digital curfew" for 15- to 18-year-olds.
• The authorities in the Netherlands has recommended families to restrict their youngsters from social media until 15.

At the EU level, the EU parliament has adopted a advisory motion demanding a ban for under-16s except if a parent decides otherwise is provided. While it warns of the "compulsive" quality of these services, the resolution does not create mandatory rules.

"An effective age limit is a solid first step," commented a leading MEP driving the initiative.

Britain: A Watchful Eye

For the United Kingdom, the leadership has not ruled out a potential ban, emphasizing that "no measure is off the table" but stressing any decision must be "grounded in robust research".

Previously, interest grew behind a proposal to introduce restrictions on social media use by minors, but it was eventually watered down. However, the government committed to conduct more studies the matter.

Charities have voiced warnings. One foundation set up by the relatives of a girl who took her own life after encountering harmful online content argues that a strict age ban may not protect children and could lead to a "sudden drop-off" of harm when users reach the legal age.

"Australia's ban is a response to the refusal of the social media companies to create products and services that are appropriate and suitable for children," said a leading online safety campaigner.

America: A Decentralized Picture

Stateside, regulation is primarily occurring at the state level against a backdrop of national stalemate.

• The state of Utah requires parental consent for minors to use social media and limits late-night use.
• Florida has enacted a measure barring children under fourteen from creating accounts on social media, though it is subject to constitutional disputes.
• The state of Virginia has passed a rule capping teenagers to one hour of social media time per day, with any further time dependent on adult consent.
• Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have also introduced bills demanding guardian approval for teenagers to set up social media accounts.

Even with bipartisan support and suggestions from various individuals to follow Australia's lead, a federal ban is right now seen as a distant prospect.

Worldwide Views

Outside of the West, additional nations are likewise exploring options.

• The Malaysian government plans to restrict social media for under-16s beginning next year.
• The Brazilian authorities has raised the minimum age for Instagram to 16.

However, global agencies adopt a more measured stance. The UN children's agency has advised that social media bans carry risks and "might backfire". The agency highlights that the internet can be a "critical link" for marginalized youth and that regulation should not be a "substitute" for social media firms to invest in child safeguards.

Even as this international debate continues, the steps of this nation and others indicate that governments around the world are increasingly willing to stand by for the industry to make changes on their own.