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Australia's controversial move to prohibit social platforms access for those under 16 is sending ripples around the globe. Politicians, campaigners, and guardians are monitoring with great interest to see if this approach will inspire imitation for countries abroad.

European Trend

Across Europe, a growing chorus of nations are moving toward similar bans.

• Denmark has announced a prohibition on social media for children under fifteen, with the prime minister stating that phones and networks are "taking away our kids' youth". The policy may be passed next year.
• The Norwegian government is planning to introduce a minimum age limit of 15, highlighting the need to safeguard the young from the "manipulative force of the recommendation systems".
• Ireland is developing a digital ID system to authenticate the age and identity of social media account holders. Authorities have indicated that an Australia-style ban is "a potential measures under consideration".
• In The Spanish government, the leader has asked parliament to approve a proposal raising the minimum age for using social media to 16.
• In The French government, the leader has proposed a ban for under-15s, and a parliamentary commission has suggested a similar step, alongside an overnight "internet blackout" for 15- to 18-year-olds.
• The authorities in The Dutch government has urged families to prevent their youngsters from social media before 15.

Across the European Union, the bloc's legislature has passed a non-binding resolution demanding a ban for teenagers under 16 unless parental consent is granted. Even though it warns of the "addictive" quality of these platforms, the move does not create enforceable legislation.

"An effective age limit is a useful foundation," said the MEP driving the measure.

The United Kingdom: A Cautious Stance

Across Britain, the leadership has kept open a possible ban, emphasizing that "no option is being dismissed" but insisting any policy must be "grounded in strong data".

Last year, momentum gathered behind a legislative effort to impose limits on social media use by teenagers, but it was ultimately modified. However, the government committed to investigate the issue.

Charities have raised concerns. One foundation founded by the relatives of a young person who died after being exposed to disturbing social media material argues that a blanket age ban might not improve online safety and could lead to a "dangerous transition" of risk when users turn 16.

"The Australian ban is a answer to the inability of the Silicon Valley to design products and services that are appropriate and fit for minors," commented a influential child protection advocate.

The US: A Fragmented Picture

Across America, legislation is mostly unfolding at the local level amid country-wide inaction.

• Utah mandates adult approval for those under 18 to use social media and controls nighttime use.
• Florida has passed a bill banning children under fourteen from creating accounts on social media, though it faces constitutional disputes.
• Virginia has passed a rule restricting teenagers to one hour of social media use per day, with extra use requiring parental permission.
• Georgia, Tennessee, and The state of Louisiana have likewise enacted laws mandating parental consent for minors to create social media profiles.

Despite widespread concern and suggestions from certain politicians to follow Australia's path, a federal ban is right now seen as a distant prospect.

Global Outlook

Beyond Europe and the US, other countries are similarly considering moves.

• Malaysia plans to restrict social media for those under sixteen effective next year.
• The Brazilian authorities has increased the minimum age for one major platform to 16.

But, world bodies strike a more measured position. Unicef has warned that age-based restrictions carry risks and "might prove counterproductive". The agency highlights that online platforms can be a "critical link" for isolated young people and that bans should not be a "excuse" for platform operators to invest in user protection.

Even as this worldwide debate continues, the policies of this nation and its followers show that states globally are increasingly content to delay for tech companies to act voluntarily.