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The Australian decisive action to prohibit social platforms access for individuals under sixteen is creating waves around the globe. Lawmakers, campaigners, and parents are watching closely to see if this approach will inspire imitation for the rest of the world.

European Trend

Throughout Europe, a growing chorus of nations are exploring comparable bans.

• Denmark has stated a ban on social media for under-15s, with the prime minister arguing that smartphones and networks are "robbing our children's youth". Legislation could be formalized in the coming year.
• The Norwegian government is planning to enforce a access barrier of 15, citing the need to shield young people from the "power of the AI".
• The Irish government is introducing a digital ID system to authenticate the identity and age of social media participants. Authorities have stated that an similar ban is "a potential measures under consideration".
• In The Spanish government, the prime minister has asked the legislature to approve a proposal raising the minimum age for joining social media to 16.
• In France, the leader has proposed a ban for those under fifteen, and a government panel has suggested a similar move, potentially involving an overnight "digital curfew" for older teenagers.
• The authorities in The Netherlands has recommended guardians to prevent their children from social media up to the age of 15.

Across the European Union, the EU parliament has passed a advisory motion calling for a ban for under-16s without guardian approval is given. While it highlights of the "habit-forming" design of these services, the resolution does not create binding law.

"A clear age barrier is a solid foundation," commented the parliamentarian supporting the initiative.

Britain: A Cautious Eye

Across Britain, the leadership has remained open to a potential ban, arguing that "no measure is discarded" but stressing any action must be "grounded in strong evidence".

Previously, momentum gathered behind a bill to impose restrictions on social media use by under-16s, but it was in the end weakened. However, the government committed to conduct more studies the topic.

Campaign organizations have voiced warnings. One foundation established by the family of a teenager who died after being exposed to disturbing online content contends that a simple age ban may not protect children and could lead to a "dangerous transition" of exposure when young people turn 16.

"The Australian ban is a reaction to the failure of the social media companies to design tools that are safe and age appropriate for children," commented a prominent online safety campaigner.

The US: A State-by-State Picture

Across America, legislation is primarily unfolding at the regional level due to national stalemate.

• Utah demands adult approval for those under 18 to use social media and controls overnight use.
• Florida has enacted a bill barring under-14s from joining social media, though it is entangled in legal challenges.
• Virginia has approved a regulation limiting under-16s to a single hour of social media access per day, with any further use needing adult consent.
• Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have likewise passed laws requiring parental consent for minors to open social media accounts.

Despite widespread concern and proposals from certain politicians to copy the Australian example, a federal ban is right now seen as unlikely.

Worldwide Views

Outside of Europe and the US, further countries are similarly exploring options.

• The Malaysian government plans to ban social media for those under sixteen effective next year.
• Brazil has increased the required age for Instagram to 16.

However, world agencies adopt a more cautious stance. The UN children's agency has advised that blanket prohibitions carry risks and "could backfire". The organization notes that online platforms can be a "lifeline" for vulnerable young people and that regulation should not be a "excuse" for social media firms to improve safety.

Even as this worldwide conversation evolves, the steps of Australia and several other countries show that governments around the world are less and less content to stand by for the industry to self-regulate.