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The Australian controversial action to ban social platforms access for young people below 16 is creating waves worldwide. Officials, campaigners, and guardians are watching intently to see if this tactic will inspire imitation for other nations.

Across Europe Momentum

In Europe, a rising chorus of countries are moving toward similar restrictions.

• Denmark plans a prohibition on social media for children under fifteen, with the leader declaring that smartphones and apps are "robbing our youngsters' childhood". The policy is expected to be formalized next year.
• Norway is set to enforce a access barrier of 15, highlighting the need to protect 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 account holders. The media minister have suggested that an Australian-model ban remains "one of the measures on the table".
• In The Spanish government, the president has asked lawmakers to pass a proposal increasing the minimum age for accessing social media to 16.
• In The French government, the head of state has threatened 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 Dutch government has urged parents to restrict their youngsters from social media up to the age of 15.

At the EU level, the European parliament has passed a advisory resolution supporting a ban for under-16s without parental consent is given. While it highlights of the "habit-forming" design of these platforms, the resolution does not create enforceable legislation.

"A strong age restriction is a solid first step," commented one parliamentarian driving the resolution.

The United Kingdom: An Evidence-Based Approach

Across Britain, the administration has remained open to a possible ban, stating that "no measure is discarded" but stressing any decision must be "grounded in conclusive research".

Previously, interest gathered behind a proposal to impose controls on social media use by under-16s, but it was ultimately weakened. However, the government committed to further research the matter.

Charities have voiced apprehensions. An organization established by the relatives of a girl who was lost after viewing disturbing social media material argues that a blanket age ban might not make platforms safer and could create a "cliff edge" of harm when teens reach the legal age.

"This ban is a answer to the refusal of the Silicon Valley to create tools that are secure and suitable for young users," stated a prominent peer.

The US: A Decentralized Landscape

Across America, legislation is primarily occurring at the state level amid country-wide stalemate.

• Utah demands parental consent for those under 18 to use social media and restricts overnight use.
• Florida has enacted a bill prohibiting under-14s from creating accounts on social media, though it is subject to legal challenges.
• The state of Virginia has enacted a rule restricting teenagers to 60 minutes of social media time per day, with extra use dependent on parental permission.
• Georgia, Tennessee, and The state of Louisiana have likewise enacted bills requiring guardian approval for minors to open social media accounts.

Even with widespread concern and proposals from certain figures to mimic this example, a federal ban is right now seen as a distant prospect.

Worldwide Views

Beyond the West, additional countries are similarly considering moves.

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

But, international organizations adopt a more measured position. The UN children's agency has advised that social media bans pose dangers and "might prove counterproductive". The body points out that online platforms can be a "critical link" for vulnerable youth and that bans should not be a "excuse" for platform operators to prioritize child safeguards.

As this global discussion unfolds, the actions of the Australian government and several other countries indicate that governments globally are increasingly willing to stand by for tech companies to self-regulate.