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Australia's controversial policy to ban social platforms access for individuals under sixteen is sending ripples internationally. Lawmakers, child protection groups, and parents are observing intently to see if this strategy will become a template for countries abroad.

Across Europe Trend

Throughout Europe, a rising group of countries are moving toward similar measures.

• Denmark has stated a ban on social media for youth below 15, with the leader declaring that mobile devices and networks are "robbing our youngsters' childhood". Legislation could be enacted soon.
• Norway is set to implement a age restriction of 15, highlighting the need to shield children from the "power of the algorithms".
• Ireland is working on a online verification tool to confirm the user details of social media users. The media minister have stated that an Australian-model ban is "one of the options in reserve".
• In Spain, the leader has urged lawmakers to enact a law raising the legal age for joining social media to 16.
• In France, the head of state has floated the idea of a ban for those under fifteen, and a parliamentary commission has recommended a similar action, including an overnight "screen time restriction" for older teenagers.
• The administration in The Dutch government has advised guardians to prevent their children from social media until 15.

For the broader EU, the European parliament has adopted a advisory resolution calling for a ban for teenagers under 16 unless guardian approval is given. Although it cautions of the "habit-forming" quality of these platforms, the move does not enact enforceable legislation.

"A strong age barrier is a solid foundation," commented the parliamentarian supporting the resolution.

The UK: A Watchful Approach

Across Britain, the leadership has not ruled out a possible ban, stating that "no measure is off the table" but insisting any action must be "based on robust data".

Earlier, support built behind a proposal to enact restrictions on social media use by under-16s, but it was eventually weakened. Nonetheless, the government vowed to conduct more studies the topic.

Charities have voiced apprehensions. An organization founded by the family of a girl who took her own life after viewing dangerous online content contends that a blanket age ban may not improve online safety and could create a "dangerous transition" of harm when teens reach the legal age.

"The Australian ban is a response to the failure of the Silicon Valley to design tools that are safe and suitable for minors," stated a prominent peer.

The US: A Decentralized Picture

Stateside, regulation is largely occurring at the regional government level amid national inaction.

• The state of Utah requires parental consent for those under 18 to use social media and controls late-night use.
• The state of Florida has passed a law prohibiting children under fourteen from joining social media, though it is entangled in court battles.
• Virginia has passed a law capping minors to a single hour of social media access per day, with extra time needing parental permission.
• Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and The state of Louisiana have likewise introduced measures mandating adult authorization for teenagers to create social media accounts.

Despite cross-party agreement and suggestions from some individuals to mimic Australia's path, a nationwide ban is presently seen as unlikely.

Worldwide Outlook

Outside of Europe and the US, other states are similarly exploring options.

• Malaysia intends to restrict social media for under-16s starting from next year.
• The Brazilian authorities has lifted the access age for the platform Instagram to 16.

However, global bodies take a more nuanced position. A major UN agency has warned that social media bans carry risks and "may even backfire". The organization notes that online platforms can be a "critical link" for isolated children and that regulation should not be a "excuse" for social media firms to invest in child safeguards.

As this international discussion unfolds, the steps of Australia and others demonstrate that states internationally are increasingly content to delay for the industry to self-regulate.