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Australia's controversial move to prohibit social platforms access for young people below 16 is creating waves internationally. Lawmakers, child protection groups, and guardians are watching closely to see if this tactic will become a template for countries abroad.

Across Europe Movement

Throughout Europe, a rising number of nations are moving toward comparable bans.

• Denmark has stated a restriction on social media for under-15s, with the leader arguing that phones and apps are "stealing our youngsters' childhood". A law is expected to be formalized in the coming year.
• Norway is planning to introduce a minimum age limit of 15, citing the need to shield children from the "power of the algorithms".
• Ireland is working on a digital wallet to authenticate the identity and age of social media participants. Authorities have stated that an Australia-style ban is "an measures in reserve".
• In Spain, the president has called on the legislature to pass a bill raising the minimum age for joining social media to 16.
• In France, the president has threatened a ban for children below 15, and a legislative committee has suggested a related action, including an overnight "internet blackout" for adolescents.
• The administration in the Netherlands has urged families to block their youngsters from social media before 15.

At the EU level, the EU parliament has approved a advisory motion demanding a ban for minors except if parental consent is provided. Even though it highlights of the "compulsive" quality of these platforms, the move does not enact binding law.

"A strong age restriction is a solid starting point," commented a leading European lawmaker supporting the resolution.

The United Kingdom: A Watchful Stance

Across Britain, the government has kept open a potential ban, arguing that "no option is off the table" but stressing any decision must be "supported by strong research".

Last year, interest grew behind a bill to introduce controls on social media use by minors, but it was ultimately weakened. Nonetheless, the government vowed to further research the topic.

Campaign organizations have expressed warnings. One foundation founded by the loved ones of a young person who died after being exposed to disturbing social media material suggests that a simple age ban may not improve online safety and could result in a "sudden drop-off" of exposure when young people turn 16.

"The Australian ban is a answer to the inability of the social media companies to build platforms and apps that are secure and age appropriate for young users," said a leading online safety campaigner.

America: A State-by-State Picture

Stateside, legislation is mostly happening at the regional government level due to national gridlock.

• Utah requires parental consent for those under 18 to use social media and restricts late-night use.
• The state of Florida has enacted a law barring those below 14 from joining social media, though it is subject to legal challenges.
• Virginia has passed a regulation limiting under-16s to one hour of social media access per day, with extra access needing parental permission.
• Georgia, Tennessee, and The state of Louisiana have likewise introduced bills requiring guardian approval for minors to create social media profiles.

Even with cross-party agreement and proposals from some individuals to copy Australia's example, a nationwide ban is currently seen as a distant prospect.

International Perspectives

Beyond the West, other nations are similarly taking action.

• The Malaysian government aims to restrict social media for teenagers starting from next year.
• Brazil has increased the access age for Instagram to 16.

But, global organizations adopt a more nuanced tone. Unicef has warned that blanket prohibitions pose dangers and "may even have unintended consequences". The agency points out that online platforms can be a "critical link" for isolated youth and that bans 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 its followers indicate that states around the world are less and less content to stand by for platforms to self-regulate.