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The Australian decisive move to prohibit social platforms access for those under 16 is creating waves internationally. Politicians, child protection groups, and families are watching with great interest to see if this approach will set a precedent for countries abroad.

The European Momentum

In Europe, a growing number of nations are exploring comparable restrictions.

• The Danish government plans a prohibition on social media for under-15s, with the prime minister arguing that mobile devices and apps are "stealing our kids' childhood". The policy may be passed soon.
• Norway is set to implement a access barrier of 15, highlighting the need to shield young people from the "power of the AI".
• The Irish government is developing a online verification tool to authenticate the identity and age of social media participants. Officials have indicated that an similar ban remains "a potential options on the table".
• In Spain, the president has asked the legislature to pass a proposal increasing the legal age for joining social media to 16.
• In France, the leader has proposed a ban for those under fifteen, and a legislative committee has recommended a similar action, alongside an overnight "internet blackout" for 15- to 18-year-olds.
• The government in The Dutch government has recommended families to restrict their youngsters from social media before 15.

For the broader EU, the European parliament has adopted a non-binding motion calling for a ban for teenagers under 16 except if a parent decides otherwise is provided. Even though it highlights of the "habit-forming" design of these platforms, the move does not establish mandatory rules.

"An effective age restriction is a useful foundation," said a leading European lawmaker behind the initiative.

The United Kingdom: A Cautious Eye

In the UK, the government has kept open a future ban, emphasizing that "no measure is discarded" but insisting any policy must be "grounded in robust research".

Earlier, support grew behind a legislative effort to enact limits on social media use by teenagers, but it was eventually watered down. However, the administration committed to investigate the issue.

Charities have expressed concerns. An organization founded by the family of a young person who died after being exposed to dangerous platform posts contends that a blanket age ban might not make platforms safer and could create a "cliff edge" of exposure when young people become eligible.

"This ban is a response to the failure of the social media companies to build platforms and apps that are safe and fit for children," commented a prominent child protection advocate.

The US: A Decentralized Approach

Across America, legislation is largely unfolding at the regional level amid federal inaction.

• Utah requires guardian permission for under-18s to use social media and restricts late-night use.
• Florida has enacted a measure banning children under fourteen from joining social media, though it is entangled in legal challenges.
• Virginia has enacted a rule capping teenagers to 60 minutes of social media time per day, with additional access needing parental permission.
• Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and The state of Louisiana have likewise introduced measures demanding adult authorization for minors to set up social media presences.

Despite bipartisan support and proposals from certain figures to mimic the Australian path, a nationwide ban is currently seen as a distant prospect.

Global Views

Apart from Europe and the US, additional states are likewise considering moves.

• Malaysia intends to ban social media for under-16s starting from next year.
• Brazil has increased the required age for one major platform to 16.

Yet, world agencies strike a more nuanced position. A major UN agency has advised that blanket prohibitions have downsides and "could backfire". The body highlights that online platforms can be a "critical link" for vulnerable youth and that bans should not be a "excuse" for platform operators to prioritize child safeguards.

Even as this global conversation continues, the policies of the Australian government and its followers indicate that governments globally are less and less content to wait for platforms to act voluntarily.