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Australia's bold policy to ban social platforms access for those under 16 is creating waves around the globe. Lawmakers, safety advocates, and parents are watching with great interest to see if this tactic will become a template for countries abroad.

The European Trend

Throughout Europe, a growing number of states are exploring comparable bans.

• The Danish government plans a prohibition on social media for children under fifteen, with the prime minister stating that smartphones and apps are "robbing our youngsters' youth". The policy is expected to be passed soon.
• Norway is preparing to introduce a access barrier of 15, highlighting the need to protect young people from the "manipulative force of the AI".
• Ireland is introducing a digital ID system to authenticate the user details of social media account holders. Authorities have suggested that an Australia-style ban is "an options in reserve".
• In Spain, the prime minister has asked parliament to approve a bill lifting the legal age for using social media to 16.
• In France, the president has proposed a ban for under-15s, and a government panel has suggested a similar move, including an overnight "internet blackout" for older teenagers.
• The government in The Netherlands has advised families to restrict their youngsters from social media up to the age of 15.

For the broader EU, the European parliament has approved a advisory resolution calling for a ban for teenagers under 16 except if guardian approval is given. While it cautions of the "addictive" quality of these apps, the resolution does not enact enforceable legislation.

"An effective age barrier is a useful first step," commented one MEP driving the measure.

The United Kingdom: A Watchful Stance

Across Britain, the leadership has remained open to a future ban, arguing that "no option is discarded" but insisting any action must be "based on conclusive evidence".

Earlier, support built behind a bill to introduce controls on social media use by teenagers, but it was eventually weakened. However, the administration committed to conduct more studies the issue.

Charities have voiced apprehensions. One foundation established by the loved ones of a young person who took her own life after being exposed to disturbing online content argues that a blanket age ban could fail to protect children and could result in a "dangerous transition" of exposure when teens become eligible.

"This ban is a response to the failure of the tech sector to design tools that are appropriate and fit for young users," commented a leading online safety campaigner.

America: A Decentralized Approach

Stateside, action is mostly unfolding at the local level due to country-wide stalemate.

• The state of Utah requires parental consent for under-18s to use social media and limits nighttime use.
• The state of Florida has signed a law banning under-14s from accessing social media, though it is entangled in legal challenges.
• Virginia has approved a rule restricting teenagers to a single hour of social media time per day, with extra time requiring parental permission.
• Georgia, Tennessee, and The state of Louisiana have also introduced bills demanding parental consent for minors to create social media presences.

Even with cross-party agreement and proposals from various politicians to mimic Australia's lead, a US-wide ban is currently seen as improbable.

Global Perspectives

Beyond Europe and the US, additional nations are similarly considering moves.

• The Malaysian government aims to prohibit social media for under-16s effective next year.
• Brazil has increased the minimum age for Instagram to 16.

But, world organizations take a more nuanced position. The UN children's agency has warned that social media bans have downsides and "may even have unintended consequences". The organization notes that online platforms can be a "lifeline" for isolated children and that government action should not be a "substitute" for platform operators to improve user protection.

Even as this global conversation continues, the steps of Australia and several other countries indicate that policymakers internationally are no longer prepared to stand by for tech companies to make changes on their own.