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The Australian controversial move to ban social platforms access for young people below 16 is creating waves internationally. Lawmakers, campaigners, and guardians are monitoring closely to see if this strategy will set a precedent for countries abroad.

Across Europe Trend

Throughout Europe, a rising group of nations are considering comparable bans.

• Denmark has stated a prohibition on social media for under-15s, with the leader stating that mobile devices and apps are "taking away our kids' childhood". The policy is expected to be passed next year.
• Norway is planning to enforce a age restriction of 15, pointing to the need to safeguard children from the "influence of the algorithms".
• The Irish government is introducing a digital wallet to verify the identity and age of social media account holders. Authorities have indicated that an Australia-style ban is "an measures in reserve".
• In Spain, the leader has asked the legislature to pass a bill lifting the access age for joining social media to 16.
• In France, the president has floated the idea of a ban for those under fifteen, and a parliamentary commission has suggested a comparable step, including an overnight "digital curfew" for older teenagers.
• The government in the Netherlands has advised parents to block their kids from social media up to the age of 15.

At the EU level, the bloc's legislature has passed a non-binding motion calling for a ban for under-16s unless parental consent is granted. Even though it warns of the "compulsive" quality of these services, the step does not create binding law.

"A clear age restriction is a good starting point," commented the MEP driving the measure.

Britain: A Watchful Stance

For the United Kingdom, the government has kept open a potential ban, emphasizing that "no measure is being dismissed" but insisting any decision must be "grounded in strong data".

Earlier, interest gathered behind a proposal to impose restrictions on social media use by under-16s, but it was in the end modified. However, the administration pledged to further research the topic.

Advocacy groups have voiced apprehensions. An organization set up by the relatives of a young person who was lost after being exposed to disturbing social media material argues that a simple age ban might not improve online safety and could lead to a "sudden drop-off" of risk when young people turn 16.

"The Australian ban is a response to the failure of the tech sector to design tools that are appropriate and age appropriate for minors," stated a influential peer.

The United States: A Fragmented Picture

In the United States, legislation is primarily happening at the state level against a backdrop of federal inaction.

• Utah mandates adult approval for minors to use social media and controls nighttime use.
• Florida has signed a law barring under-14s from accessing social media, though it is subject to constitutional disputes.
• Virginia has enacted a regulation limiting under-16s to a single hour of social media use per day, with any further time dependent on parental permission.
• Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and Louisiana have likewise introduced laws requiring adult authorization for under-16s to set up social media profiles.

Despite widespread concern and calls from some figures to mimic this path, a nationwide ban is currently seen as unlikely.

Global Outlook

Beyond these regions, further countries are likewise taking action.

• The Malaysian government aims to restrict social media for those under sixteen starting from next year.
• Brazil has lifted the minimum age for the platform Instagram to 16.

However, global organizations strike a more measured tone. Unicef has advised that blanket prohibitions have downsides and "might prove counterproductive". The agency highlights that the internet can be a "vital connection" for isolated young people and that bans should not be a "excuse" for social media firms to prioritize user protection.

While this worldwide conversation unfolds, the steps of this nation and others show that governments internationally are no longer content to delay for the industry to make changes on their own.