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The Australian decisive action to ban social platforms access for young people below 16 is creating waves worldwide. Lawmakers, campaigners, and parents are observing with great interest to see if this approach will become a template for other nations.

The European Trend

In Europe, a rising number of nations are exploring similar restrictions.

• Denmark has stated a ban on social media for under-15s, with the leader arguing that smartphones and apps are "robbing our children's youth". A law is expected to be formalized soon.
• The Norwegian government is planning to enforce a access barrier of 15, citing the need to shield young people from the "power of the algorithms".
• Ireland is introducing a online verification tool to verify the age and identity of social media users. The media minister have stated that an Australia-style ban could be "an measures under consideration".
• In Spain, the prime minister has urged the legislature to enact a proposal lifting the access age for using social media to 16.
• In The French government, the head of state has threatened a ban for under-15s, and a parliamentary commission has endorsed a similar move, alongside an overnight "digital curfew" for adolescents.
• The administration in The Netherlands has recommended guardians to block their youngsters from social media before 15.

At the EU level, the European parliament has approved a symbolic motion calling for a ban for under-16s except if a parent decides otherwise is given. Although it highlights of the "compulsive" nature of these platforms, the move does not enact enforceable legislation.

"A strong age barrier is a solid starting point," stated the parliamentarian driving the initiative.

The UK: A Watchful Eye

Across Britain, the government has not ruled out a potential ban, emphasizing that "no option is off the table" but maintaining any action must be "supported by conclusive evidence".

Last year, interest grew behind a legislative effort to enact controls on social media use by under-16s, but it was ultimately modified. Nonetheless, the administration pledged to conduct more studies the topic.

Advocacy groups have voiced apprehensions. An organization set up by the loved ones of a young person who took her own life after viewing dangerous online content suggests that a simple age ban could fail to make platforms safer and could create a "sudden drop-off" of exposure when users reach the legal age.

"Australia's ban is a answer to the refusal of the Silicon Valley to design platforms and apps that are appropriate and age appropriate for children," said a leading online safety campaigner.

The US: A Fragmented Picture

Across America, legislation is primarily unfolding at the local level amid federal stalemate.

• Utah demands adult approval for those under 18 to use social media and controls overnight use.
• Florida has signed a law barring children under fourteen from joining social media, though it is subject to legal challenges.
• Virginia has enacted a regulation limiting under-16s to 60 minutes of social media use per day, with any further time dependent on parental permission.
• Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have also introduced laws requiring guardian approval for under-16s to create social media accounts.

Despite cross-party agreement and calls from certain politicians to copy the Australian example, a nationwide ban is presently seen as improbable.

Worldwide Perspectives

Beyond these regions, other nations are likewise taking action.

• Malaysia plans to prohibit social media for teenagers starting from next year.
• Brazil has lifted the required age for the platform Instagram to 16.

But, international agencies strike a more cautious tone. Unicef has warned that blanket prohibitions have downsides and "might have unintended consequences". The body highlights that the internet can be a "vital connection" for marginalized young people and that bans should not be a "excuse" for social media firms to improve user protection.

While this international discussion unfolds, the steps of Australia and its followers show that states around the world are less and less prepared to wait for the industry to make changes on their own.