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Australia's bold action to prohibit social platforms access for individuals under sixteen is creating waves internationally. Lawmakers, campaigners, and families are monitoring intently to see if this approach will set a precedent for other nations.

The European Momentum

In Europe, a increasing group of nations are exploring comparable measures.

• Denmark has stated a prohibition on social media for youth below 15, with the PM stating that phones and apps are "taking away our kids' youth". Legislation could be enacted soon.
• The Norwegian government is preparing to introduce a age restriction of 15, pointing to the need to safeguard children from the "influence of the algorithms".
• Ireland is working on a digital ID system to confirm the identity and age of social media account holders. The media minister have indicated that an Australian-model ban remains "a potential measures under consideration".
• In Spain, the leader has called on parliament to approve a proposal lifting the minimum age for joining social media to 16.
• In France, the head of state has floated the idea of a ban for children below 15, and a parliamentary commission has recommended a comparable action, potentially involving an overnight "internet blackout" for adolescents.
• The administration in The Dutch government has advised families to prevent their kids from social media until 15.

At the EU level, the European parliament has passed a advisory motion demanding a ban for under-16s without parental consent is granted. Although it highlights of the "compulsive" nature of these services, the step does not enact mandatory rules.

"A strong age restriction is a good foundation," commented a leading European lawmaker behind the measure.

Britain: A Watchful Approach

Across Britain, the government has kept open a potential ban, arguing that "no measure is off the table" but insisting any policy must be "supported by robust research".

Last year, momentum grew behind a proposal to impose controls on social media use by under-16s, but it was ultimately watered down. Instead, the administration vowed to conduct more studies the issue.

Advocacy groups have raised concerns. An organization established by the relatives of a girl who was lost after viewing disturbing platform posts suggests that a blanket age ban may not make platforms safer and could create a "cliff edge" of harm when users reach the legal age.

"The Australian ban is a reaction to the inability of the Silicon Valley to create tools that are secure and fit for minors," said a prominent peer.

The US: A Fragmented Picture

Across America, action is mostly happening at the regional level against a backdrop of federal stalemate.

• Utah demands adult approval for minors to use social media and restricts late-night use.
• The state of Florida has signed a law banning under-14s from accessing social media, though it faces legal challenges.
• Virginia has passed a rule capping teenagers to a single hour of social media time per day, with any further use requiring a guardian's okay.
• Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have similarly enacted laws requiring guardian approval for minors to create social media presences.

Even with widespread concern and proposals from certain politicians to mimic the Australian path, a US-wide ban is presently seen as unlikely.

Global Outlook

Beyond the West, additional nations are also considering moves.

• Malaysia plans to ban social media for under-16s effective next year.
• Brazil has increased the minimum age for the platform Instagram to 16.

However, global organizations take a more nuanced stance. A major UN agency has warned that social media bans pose dangers and "may even backfire". The body highlights that online platforms can be a "vital connection" for vulnerable children and that bans should not be a "substitute" for tech companies to invest in user protection.

Even as this global debate evolves, the steps of this nation and others demonstrate that governments globally are increasingly prepared to delay for tech companies to make changes on their own.