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Australia's decisive move to prohibit social platforms access for those under 16 is creating waves around the globe. Lawmakers, safety advocates, and families are observing intently to see if this tactic will set a precedent for other nations.

European Trend

In Europe, a rising chorus of states are exploring parallel bans.

• The Danish government has stated a restriction on social media for under-15s, with the leader arguing that mobile devices and platforms are "taking away our kids' youth". Legislation may be passed soon.
• Norway is set to implement a access barrier of 15, pointing to the need to protect children from the "influence of the AI".
• Ireland is developing a digital wallet to verify the age and identity of social media participants. Officials have indicated that an Australian-model ban remains "a potential measures under consideration".
• In The Spanish government, the leader has asked the legislature to approve a law lifting the legal age for joining social media to 16.
• In France, the leader has threatened a ban for those under fifteen, and a legislative committee has recommended a similar step, alongside an overnight "digital curfew" for 15- to 18-year-olds.
• The government in The Dutch government has urged parents to prevent their children from social media up to the age of 15.

At the EU level, the bloc's legislature has passed a symbolic motion calling for a ban for minors unless guardian approval is provided. Even though it warns of the "habit-forming" nature of these apps, the resolution does not establish binding law.

"A strong age restriction is a good first step," said one European lawmaker supporting the measure.

The United Kingdom: A Cautious Approach

Across Britain, the administration has not ruled out a possible ban, arguing that "nothing is discarded" but stressing any decision must be "supported by strong research".

Earlier, momentum grew behind a legislative effort to enact controls on social media use by minors, but it was ultimately watered down. Instead, the administration vowed to investigate the topic.

Charities have expressed concerns. An organization established by the relatives of a teenager who was lost after encountering disturbing social media material argues that a blanket age ban might not make platforms safer and could lead to a "sudden drop-off" of harm when young people turn 16.

"The Australian ban is a response to the refusal of the tech sector to build tools that are safe and suitable for children," commented a influential child protection advocate.

The United States: A Fragmented Landscape

Stateside, action is largely occurring at the local level amid national stalemate.

• The state of Utah mandates guardian permission for minors to use social media and controls nighttime use.
• Florida has enacted a bill prohibiting under-14s from joining social media, though it faces legal challenges.
• Virginia has approved a law restricting minors to 60 minutes of social media access per day, with extra time dependent on a guardian's okay.
• Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have also introduced laws demanding parental consent for minors to set up social media profiles.

Despite cross-party agreement and proposals from various figures to mimic Australia's lead, a nationwide ban is right now seen as a distant prospect.

International Views

Apart from the West, further nations are similarly taking action.

• Malaysia plans to restrict social media for those under sixteen beginning next year.
• The Brazilian authorities has lifted the access age for the platform Instagram to 16.

However, international bodies strike a more measured position. The UN children's agency has warned that age-based restrictions have downsides and "could backfire". The body highlights 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 invest in safety.

While this international conversation unfolds, the steps of the Australian government and others demonstrate that governments internationally are no longer prepared to delay for the industry to make changes on their own.