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The Australian controversial move to ban social platforms access for young people below 16 is sending ripples worldwide. Politicians, safety advocates, and parents are watching closely to see if this strategy will inspire imitation for the rest of the world.

Across Europe Momentum

Across Europe, a increasing number of states are considering comparable measures.

• Denmark plans a ban on social media for youth below 15, with the leader stating that phones and apps are "stealing our kids' innocence". Legislation could be formalized soon.
• Norway is preparing to introduce a age restriction of 15, pointing to the need to protect young people from the "manipulative force of the AI".
• Ireland is working on a digital ID system to authenticate the age and identity of social media users. Authorities have stated that an Australia-style ban remains "a potential options in reserve".
• In The Spanish government, the prime minister has urged parliament to approve a proposal lifting the minimum age for accessing social media to 16.
• In The French government, the head of state has floated the idea of a ban for children below 15, and a legislative committee has endorsed a comparable move, potentially involving an overnight "digital curfew" for 15- to 18-year-olds.
• The government in the Netherlands has advised parents to block their youngsters from social media until 15.

For the broader EU, the bloc's legislature has adopted a non-binding motion calling for a ban for under-16s except if a parent decides otherwise is granted. Even though it cautions of the "compulsive" quality of these apps, the step does not enact binding law.

"An effective age restriction is a solid starting point," stated one European lawmaker supporting the initiative.

Britain: An Evidence-Based Stance

Across Britain, the administration has not ruled out a possible ban, emphasizing that "no option is off the table" but insisting any decision must be "based on strong evidence".

Earlier, interest built behind a bill to enact limits on social media use by minors, but it was in the end watered down. However, the government pledged to investigate the matter.

Charities have voiced warnings. A prominent charity set up by the loved ones of a young person who took her own life after encountering dangerous platform posts argues that a blanket age ban could fail to protect children and could result in a "sudden drop-off" of risk when teens become eligible.

"Australia's ban is a response to the inability of the social media companies to build tools that are safe and age appropriate for young users," said a influential peer.

America: A Decentralized Picture

Stateside, action is mostly unfolding at the regional level due to country-wide inaction.

• Utah mandates parental consent for under-18s to use social media and limits overnight use.
• Florida has enacted a bill banning under-14s from creating accounts on social media, though it faces legal challenges.
• Virginia has passed a law limiting under-16s to 60 minutes of social media time per day, with any further access needing adult consent.
• The state of Georgia, Tennessee, and The state of Louisiana have also introduced bills requiring adult authorization for minors to set up social media presences.

Despite widespread concern and proposals from some figures to follow the Australian path, a federal ban is presently seen as improbable.

Global Perspectives

Apart from these regions, further states are likewise considering moves.

• Malaysia intends to prohibit social media for under-16s beginning next year.
• The Brazilian authorities has lifted the required age for Instagram to 16.

However, international organizations take a more measured stance. Unicef has cautioned that age-based restrictions have downsides and "could prove counterproductive". The organization notes that online platforms can be a "vital connection" for marginalized young people and that regulation should not be a "replacement" for platform operators to prioritize safety.

Even as this worldwide debate continues, the actions of this nation and several other countries show that states around the world are no longer prepared to delay for platforms to make changes on their own.