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The Australian decisive policy to prohibit social platforms access for individuals under sixteen is creating waves internationally. Officials, campaigners, and families are monitoring intently to see if this approach will set a precedent for countries abroad.

European Trend

Across Europe, a increasing group of nations are moving toward similar bans.

• Denmark has stated a prohibition on social media for youth below 15, with the PM arguing that phones and apps are "robbing our children's childhood". The policy may be enacted next year.
• The Norwegian government is preparing to enforce a access barrier of 15, pointing to the need to protect young people from the "manipulative force of the recommendation systems".
• Ireland is working on a digital wallet to verify the identity and age of social media users. Authorities have indicated that an similar ban remains "a potential options under consideration".
• In The Spanish government, the president has urged parliament to enact a law raising the access age for using social media to 16.
• In France, the leader has proposed a ban for under-15s, and a parliamentary commission has recommended a comparable step, potentially involving an overnight "internet blackout" for older teenagers.
• The government in The Dutch government has recommended families to restrict their children from social media until 15.

Across the European Union, the bloc's legislature has approved a symbolic statement demanding a ban for under-16s unless a parent decides otherwise is given. Although it warns of the "addictive" quality of these platforms, the step does not enact enforceable legislation.

"An effective age limit is a good foundation," commented the MEP behind the resolution.

The United Kingdom: A Watchful Approach

For the United Kingdom, the leadership has not ruled out a future ban, emphasizing that "nothing is discarded" but stressing any action must be "grounded in strong evidence".

Earlier, interest grew behind a proposal to impose restrictions on social media use by teenagers, but it was in the end weakened. Instead, the administration pledged to investigate the issue.

Advocacy groups have expressed concerns. One foundation founded by the relatives of a girl who died after encountering disturbing online content contends that a strict age ban might not improve online safety and could result in a "sudden drop-off" of harm when young people become eligible.

"This ban is a answer to the failure of the social media companies to build products and services that are secure and fit for minors," stated a prominent peer.

The United States: A State-by-State Approach

In the United States, legislation is largely unfolding at the regional government level due to national gridlock.

• Utah demands adult approval for under-18s to use social media and limits nighttime use.
• Florida has signed a law banning those below 14 from creating accounts on social media, though it is entangled in constitutional disputes.
• The state of Virginia has enacted a regulation restricting teenagers to a single hour of social media time per day, with additional access dependent on adult consent.
• Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have likewise introduced laws requiring adult authorization for teenagers to open social media profiles.

Despite bipartisan support and suggestions from some politicians to copy this path, a US-wide ban is currently seen as improbable.

Global Perspectives

Apart from Europe and the US, other nations are likewise considering moves.

• Malaysia intends to ban social media for those under sixteen beginning next year.
• The Brazilian authorities has increased the required age for the platform Instagram to 16.

However, world agencies take a more nuanced position. The UN children's agency has cautioned that social media bans have downsides and "could have unintended consequences". The agency notes that the internet can be a "vital connection" for vulnerable young people and that government action should not be a "excuse" for platform operators to prioritize safety.

While this global conversation unfolds, the policies of Australia and its followers indicate that policymakers globally are increasingly content to delay for the industry to self-regulate.