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Australia's controversial policy to ban social platforms access for those under 16 is creating waves worldwide. Officials, child protection groups, and guardians are watching closely to see if this approach will inspire imitation for the rest of the world.

The European Movement

Across Europe, a increasing number of nations are considering parallel measures.

• Denmark has stated a restriction on social media for youth below 15, with the leader arguing that smartphones and networks are "robbing our children's childhood". Legislation is expected to be enacted soon.
• Norway is planning to introduce a access barrier of 15, citing the need to protect the young from the "power of the AI".
• Ireland is developing a digital wallet to confirm the user details of social media users. The media minister have indicated that an Australia-style ban could be "an tools under consideration".
• In The Spanish government, the leader has asked parliament to enact a proposal raising the legal age for using social media to 16.
• In France, the head of state has proposed a ban for children below 15, and a government panel has endorsed a similar move, including an overnight "digital curfew" for 15- to 18-year-olds.
• The administration in the Netherlands has recommended parents to restrict their kids from social media until 15.

At the EU level, the European parliament has approved a non-binding resolution calling for a ban for minors unless a parent decides otherwise is granted. Although it warns of the "compulsive" nature of these apps, the step does not enact binding law.

"A strong age limit is a good starting point," commented the MEP driving the resolution.

The United Kingdom: A Watchful Approach

For the United Kingdom, the leadership has kept open a possible ban, stating that "no option is discarded" but stressing any action must be "based on strong data".

Last year, momentum built behind a bill to introduce controls on social media use by teenagers, but it was eventually watered down. However, the administration committed to investigate the issue.

Campaign organizations have raised concerns. A prominent charity founded by the family of a girl who was lost after encountering dangerous social media material suggests that a simple age ban might not protect children and could create a "dangerous transition" of exposure when teens reach the legal age.

"The Australian ban is a answer to the failure of the social media companies to design platforms and apps that are appropriate and age appropriate for minors," commented a influential online safety campaigner.

The US: A Fragmented Landscape

Across America, action is largely unfolding at the regional level amid country-wide stalemate.

• Utah mandates parental consent for minors to use social media and limits overnight use.
• Florida has signed a bill barring those below 14 from accessing social media, though it is entangled in constitutional disputes.
• Virginia has enacted a rule capping under-16s to a single hour of social media use per day, with extra access needing adult consent.
• The state of Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and Louisiana have likewise enacted laws mandating adult authorization for teenagers to open social media profiles.

Despite bipartisan support and suggestions from various politicians to mimic the Australian path, a US-wide ban is right now seen as a distant prospect.

Global Perspectives

Beyond the West, other nations are similarly exploring options.

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

But, global bodies adopt a more measured tone. The UN children's agency has warned that blanket prohibitions carry risks and "may even backfire". The agency notes that the internet can be a "lifeline" for isolated young people and that government action should not be a "replacement" for social media firms to prioritize safety.

Even as this worldwide debate continues, the steps of the Australian government and several other countries demonstrate that states around the world are less and less prepared to delay for the industry to make changes on their own.