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Australia's decisive policy to restrict social platforms access for young people below 16 is creating waves around the globe. Lawmakers, child protection groups, and families are monitoring closely to see if this tactic will inspire imitation for the rest of the world.

The European Trend

Throughout Europe, a rising chorus of countries are considering parallel bans.

• Denmark has announced a ban on social media for children under fifteen, with the prime minister arguing that mobile devices and apps are "stealing our youngsters' childhood". A law may be passed in the coming year.
• Norway is preparing to introduce a age restriction of 15, highlighting the need to shield young people from the "power of the recommendation systems".
• The Irish government is developing a digital ID system to authenticate the user details of social media account holders. The media minister have indicated that an Australia-style ban could be "a potential measures on the table".
• In The Spanish government, the leader has called on the legislature to approve a law lifting the minimum age for using social media to 16.
• In France, the president has floated the idea of a ban for under-15s, and a government panel has suggested a comparable action, potentially involving an overnight "internet blackout" for older teenagers.
• The government in the Netherlands has urged families to prevent their youngsters from social media until 15.

At the EU level, the European parliament has approved a advisory motion calling for a ban for teenagers under 16 without guardian approval is granted. While it warns of the "addictive" quality of these services, the move does not create enforceable legislation.

"A clear age restriction is a solid first step," stated the MEP behind the initiative.

Britain: A Watchful Stance

Across Britain, the administration has remained open to a possible ban, stating that "no option is being dismissed" but stressing any decision must be "supported by robust research".

Last year, momentum built behind a legislative effort to enact controls on social media use by under-16s, but it was in the end watered down. However, the government vowed to investigate the issue.

Advocacy groups have raised warnings. An organization set up by the relatives of a young person who was lost after being exposed to harmful platform posts contends that a simple age ban might not make platforms safer and could result in a "dangerous transition" of exposure when users turn 16.

"This ban is a response to the inability of the tech sector to build platforms and apps that are secure and fit for young users," stated a influential child protection advocate.

The US: A State-by-State Landscape

Stateside, legislation is primarily unfolding at the regional level amid federal stalemate.

• The state of Utah demands parental consent for under-18s to use social media and limits nighttime use.
• Florida has passed a law barring those below 14 from joining social media, though it is subject to legal challenges.
• The state of Virginia has passed a regulation capping minors to 60 minutes of social media use per day, with extra use dependent on a guardian's okay.
• Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and The state of Louisiana have similarly enacted measures demanding parental consent for teenagers to open social media accounts.

Despite widespread concern and suggestions from certain figures to copy this lead, a nationwide ban is presently seen as improbable.

Global Views

Outside of Europe and the US, further countries are likewise considering moves.

• Malaysia intends to prohibit social media for teenagers beginning next year.
• The Brazilian authorities has raised the required age for Instagram to 16.

But, international agencies take a more measured position. A major UN agency has advised that age-based restrictions have downsides and "may even have unintended consequences". The organization points out that social networks can be a "critical link" for marginalized children and that government action should not be a "replacement" for platform operators to prioritize safety.

As this international debate evolves, the steps of the Australian government and its followers show that policymakers around the world are less and less willing to stand by for the industry to make changes on their own.