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Australia's controversial policy to restrict social platforms access for those under 16 is sending ripples around the globe. Officials, campaigners, and families are watching intently to see if this strategy will inspire imitation for the rest of the world.

The European Trend

Throughout Europe, a growing number of countries are moving toward parallel bans.

• The Danish government plans a prohibition on social media for under-15s, with the prime minister declaring that phones and networks are "taking away our children's innocence". The policy could be formalized soon.
• Norway is planning to implement a age restriction of 15, citing the need to shield children from the "influence of the recommendation systems".
• The Irish government is introducing a digital wallet to authenticate the age and identity of social media participants. Authorities have stated that an Australia-style ban could be "a potential options on the table".
• In Spain, the president has called on lawmakers to approve a proposal raising the legal age for using social media to 16.
• In The French government, the leader has threatened a ban for under-15s, and a parliamentary commission has recommended a similar action, including an overnight "internet blackout" for older teenagers.
• The government in The Dutch government has recommended parents to block their kids from social media up to the age of 15.

For the broader EU, the European parliament has passed a symbolic statement demanding a ban for teenagers under 16 without a parent decides otherwise is given. Even though it highlights of the "habit-forming" quality of these platforms, the resolution does not establish binding law.

"A strong age barrier is a useful starting point," said the European lawmaker behind the measure.

The UK: A Watchful Eye

For the United Kingdom, the government has kept open a future ban, arguing that "no measure is discarded" but stressing any policy must be "based on conclusive data".

Last year, support built behind a legislative effort to introduce controls on social media use by teenagers, but it was eventually watered down. Nonetheless, the government pledged to investigate the matter.

Campaign organizations have voiced apprehensions. An organization set up by the loved ones of a young person who took her own life after being exposed to disturbing social media material argues that a strict age ban may not protect children and could create a "dangerous transition" of harm when users turn 16.

"Australia's ban is a reaction to the refusal of the tech sector to build tools that are safe and age appropriate for minors," stated a leading online safety campaigner.

The US: A Fragmented Approach

Across America, regulation is primarily occurring at the regional level against a backdrop of national inaction.

• The state of Utah requires guardian permission for minors to use social media and restricts nighttime use.
• Florida has signed a law banning those below 14 from joining social media, though it faces constitutional disputes.
• The state of Virginia has enacted a regulation restricting minors to a single hour of social media access per day, with extra access requiring parental permission.
• Georgia, Tennessee, and The state of Louisiana have likewise passed laws demanding parental consent for under-16s to set up social media presences.

Despite widespread concern and calls from some politicians to copy Australia's example, a US-wide ban is right now seen as improbable.

Worldwide Outlook

Beyond the West, other nations are likewise taking action.

• The Malaysian government intends to restrict social media for under-16s effective next year.
• Brazil has raised the access age for the platform Instagram to 16.

But, international agencies adopt a more measured tone. The UN children's agency has advised that blanket prohibitions carry risks and "might have unintended consequences". The body highlights that online platforms can be a "vital connection" for vulnerable youth and that bans should not be a "replacement" for platform operators to prioritize safety.

Even as this international debate evolves, the steps of this nation and several other countries indicate that governments around the world are no longer content to delay for platforms to act voluntarily.