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The Australian bold move to ban social platforms access for individuals under sixteen is sending ripples around the globe. Politicians, safety advocates, and guardians are monitoring closely to see if this strategy will set a precedent for countries abroad.

European Momentum

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

• Denmark plans a ban on social media for children under fifteen, with the prime minister stating that phones and networks are "robbing our children's childhood". A law could be passed soon.
• The Norwegian government is preparing to implement a access barrier of 15, citing the need to shield young people from the "power of the algorithms".
• Ireland is working on a online verification tool to authenticate the age and identity of social media participants. Officials have stated that an Australian-model ban is "one of the measures in reserve".
• In The Spanish government, the leader has called on the legislature to approve a proposal lifting the minimum age for using social media to 16.
• In The French government, the leader has threatened a ban for children below 15, and a parliamentary commission has suggested a similar step, including an overnight "internet blackout" for older teenagers.
• The authorities in the Netherlands has advised guardians to prevent their children from social media until 15.

Across the European Union, the European parliament has approved a non-binding resolution calling for a ban for teenagers under 16 unless guardian approval is provided. Although it cautions of the "addictive" nature of these apps, the step does not establish binding law.

"An effective age restriction is a useful first step," said one European lawmaker behind the measure.

The United Kingdom: A Cautious Eye

Across Britain, the government has kept open a future ban, emphasizing that "nothing is being dismissed" but maintaining any action must be "supported by conclusive evidence".

Previously, interest grew behind a bill to introduce limits on social media use by under-16s, but it was eventually modified. Nonetheless, the administration committed to conduct more studies the topic.

Campaign organizations have voiced concerns. One foundation founded by the relatives of a girl who was lost after being exposed to harmful platform posts suggests that a blanket age ban could fail to make platforms safer and could create a "cliff edge" of risk when young people turn 16.

"Australia's ban is a response to the inability of the Silicon Valley to build platforms and apps that are secure and suitable for children," stated a prominent peer.

America: A Decentralized Landscape

Stateside, action is mostly occurring at the state level due to country-wide gridlock.

• The state of Utah mandates guardian permission for minors to use social media and restricts overnight use.
• Florida has passed a law barring those below 14 from joining social media, though it is subject to court battles.
• The state of Virginia has approved a regulation capping minors to a single hour of social media use per day, with additional time dependent on parental permission.
• Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have similarly introduced bills mandating guardian approval for under-16s to set up social media presences.

Despite widespread concern and calls from various individuals to follow this path, a nationwide ban is currently seen as a distant prospect.

International Views

Outside of these regions, additional nations are also considering moves.

• Malaysia intends to ban social media for those under sixteen starting from next year.
• Brazil has lifted the access age for one major platform to 16.

But, international organizations take a more cautious tone. A major UN agency has advised that social media bans carry risks and "might prove counterproductive". The body points out that the internet can be a "critical link" for isolated children and that government action should not be a "substitute" for tech companies to prioritize safety.

Even as this international debate evolves, the policies of Australia and several other countries indicate that policymakers around the world are increasingly prepared to stand by for tech companies to self-regulate.