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The Australian bold policy to ban social platforms access for young people below 16 is creating waves worldwide. Officials, child protection groups, and families are watching intently to see if this tactic will set a precedent for the rest of the world.

European Trend

Across Europe, a increasing number of countries are moving toward comparable restrictions.

• Denmark plans a ban on social media for children under fifteen, with the PM arguing that mobile devices and networks are "taking away our kids' youth". The policy may be enacted in the coming year.
• Norway is preparing to enforce a access barrier of 15, highlighting the need to protect young people from the "manipulative force of the recommendation systems".
• Ireland is developing a online verification tool to confirm the age and identity of social media users. Authorities have stated that an Australia-style ban could be "a potential options in reserve".
• In The Spanish government, the president has urged lawmakers to enact a proposal increasing the minimum age for accessing social media to 16.
• In France, the head of state has threatened a ban for those under fifteen, and a legislative committee has endorsed a comparable action, including an overnight "screen time restriction" for adolescents.
• The government in The Dutch government has urged families to block their kids from social media before 15.

For the broader EU, the European parliament has approved a non-binding statement demanding a ban for teenagers under 16 except if a parent decides otherwise is given. While it cautions of the "addictive" quality of these platforms, the move does not create mandatory rules.

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

Britain: An Evidence-Based Eye

Across Britain, the government has remained open to a possible ban, arguing that "nothing is off the table" but stressing any action must be "grounded in conclusive research".

Earlier, interest built behind a bill to enact restrictions on social media use by minors, but it was ultimately watered down. Nonetheless, the government vowed to conduct more studies the topic.

Campaign organizations have raised warnings. One foundation established by the family of a teenager who died after encountering harmful online content argues that a strict age ban may not protect children and could create a "sudden drop-off" of risk when users reach the legal age.

"Australia's ban is a response to the refusal of the Silicon Valley to design platforms and apps that are safe and suitable for minors," stated a prominent online safety campaigner.

The United States: A Decentralized Landscape

Across America, legislation is largely happening at the state level amid country-wide inaction.

• The state of Utah mandates parental consent for minors to use social media and limits overnight use.
• The state of Florida has enacted a law banning those below 14 from joining social media, though it is subject to legal challenges.
• The state of Virginia has passed a law limiting under-16s to a single hour of social media use per day, with any further use requiring adult consent.
• Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have also passed measures demanding guardian approval for teenagers to set up social media presences.

Despite cross-party agreement and calls from various individuals to mimic this path, a federal ban is currently seen as a distant prospect.

Worldwide Outlook

Beyond Europe and the US, further nations are similarly exploring options.

• Malaysia plans to restrict social media for under-16s effective next year.
• Brazil has raised the minimum age for one major platform to 16.

Yet, international bodies take a more cautious tone. The UN children's agency has cautioned that social media bans have downsides and "could have unintended consequences". The agency points out that online platforms can be a "critical link" for vulnerable children and that regulation should not be a "excuse" for social media firms to invest in safety.

As this worldwide debate unfolds, the actions of this nation and others show that policymakers internationally are increasingly content to stand by for the industry to self-regulate.