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The Australian bold policy to ban social platforms access for young people below 16 is creating waves around the globe. Lawmakers, child protection groups, and parents are observing intently to see if this approach will inspire imitation for the rest of the world.

European Momentum

In Europe, a increasing group of countries are considering similar bans.

• Denmark has stated a prohibition on social media for under-15s, with the PM stating that mobile devices and platforms are "stealing our children's childhood". The policy may be enacted soon.
• Norway is planning to enforce a access barrier of 15, citing the need to safeguard young people from the "power of the algorithms".
• Ireland is working on a digital wallet to confirm the user details of social media account holders. Authorities have suggested that an Australian-model ban remains "a potential options under consideration".
• In Spain, the prime minister has asked lawmakers to enact a bill raising the minimum age for using social media to 16.
• In France, the leader has floated the idea of a ban for under-15s, and a legislative committee has suggested a comparable step, alongside an overnight "digital curfew" for older teenagers.
• The authorities in The Dutch government has advised guardians to restrict their kids from social media before 15.

For the broader EU, the bloc's legislature has passed a non-binding motion calling for a ban for minors without parental consent is provided. Even though it cautions of the "compulsive" design of these services, the move does not establish enforceable legislation.

"An effective age restriction is a useful first step," stated one European lawmaker supporting the initiative.

The UK: A Cautious Stance

For the United Kingdom, the government has kept open a potential ban, emphasizing that "no option is off the table" but stressing any action must be "supported by strong evidence".

Previously, momentum grew behind a bill to introduce controls on social media use by under-16s, but it was ultimately modified. Instead, the administration pledged to investigate the issue.

Campaign organizations have raised warnings. A prominent charity set up by the relatives of a girl who was lost after encountering disturbing platform posts suggests that a strict age ban could fail to improve online safety and could create a "cliff edge" of harm when teens become eligible.

"This ban is a response to the inability of the Silicon Valley to build products and services that are appropriate and suitable for minors," stated a prominent online safety campaigner.

The United States: A Fragmented Approach

Stateside, action is primarily occurring at the regional government level amid national gridlock.

• Utah demands parental consent for under-18s to use social media and restricts late-night use.
• Florida has passed a bill banning children under fourteen from creating accounts on social media, though it is subject to legal challenges.
• The state of Virginia has passed a law restricting teenagers to one hour of social media use per day, with extra access needing adult consent.
• Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have similarly passed laws mandating guardian approval for teenagers to create social media presences.

Despite widespread concern and suggestions from various politicians to mimic this lead, a nationwide ban is currently seen as unlikely.

Global Perspectives

Apart from the West, further states are similarly exploring options.

• The Malaysian government intends to ban social media for teenagers starting from next year.
• Brazil has raised the minimum age for Instagram to 16.

Yet, international organizations strike a more cautious tone. The UN children's agency has warned that social media bans pose dangers and "might have unintended consequences". The body notes that online platforms can be a "critical link" for isolated children and that regulation should not be a "excuse" for platform operators to prioritize safety.

As this global discussion evolves, the actions of Australia and others indicate that states globally are increasingly prepared to delay for the industry to make changes on their own.