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The Australian controversial action to ban social platforms access for those under 16 is sparking debate around the globe. Politicians, safety advocates, and families are watching closely to see if this strategy will inspire imitation for the rest of the world.

The European Momentum

Across Europe, a rising group of nations are exploring comparable bans.

• Denmark plans a ban on social media for under-15s, with the PM declaring that smartphones and networks are "taking away our children's innocence". Legislation is expected to be formalized soon.
• Norway is preparing to implement a minimum age limit of 15, pointing to the need to protect young people from the "power of the AI".
• Ireland is introducing a digital wallet to verify the identity and age of social media participants. The media minister have suggested that an similar ban could be "one of the tools in reserve".
• In The Spanish government, the leader has called on lawmakers to approve a bill increasing the access age for joining social media to 16.
• In France, the head of state has proposed a ban for those under fifteen, and a government panel has endorsed a related move, potentially involving an overnight "internet blackout" for 15- to 18-year-olds.
• The administration in the Netherlands has recommended guardians to block their youngsters from social media up to the age of 15.

Across the European Union, the bloc's legislature has passed a symbolic resolution calling for a ban for teenagers under 16 except if a parent decides otherwise is given. Although it highlights of the "addictive" nature of these services, the move does not create mandatory rules.

"A clear age barrier is a useful foundation," commented one MEP driving the resolution.

Britain: A Watchful Approach

In the UK, the government has remained open to a future ban, emphasizing that "no measure is off the table" but maintaining any decision must be "supported by robust evidence".

Previously, interest grew behind a bill to impose controls on social media use by under-16s, but it was in the end weakened. Nonetheless, the administration committed to investigate the issue.

Advocacy groups have voiced warnings. A prominent charity set up by the relatives of a teenager who took her own life after being exposed to disturbing social media material suggests that a simple age ban might not protect children and could create a "cliff edge" of risk when users turn 16.

"This ban is a response to the failure of the Silicon Valley to design products and services that are secure and fit for young users," commented a influential child protection advocate.

America: A Fragmented Landscape

Across America, action is largely unfolding at the state level amid national gridlock.

• Utah requires guardian permission for under-18s to use social media and restricts late-night use.
• Florida has enacted a bill barring children under fourteen from creating accounts on social media, though it is entangled in legal challenges.
• Virginia has approved a law restricting teenagers to a single hour of social media access per day, with any further access requiring a guardian's okay.
• Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have similarly introduced measures requiring guardian approval for teenagers to open social media profiles.

Despite cross-party agreement and proposals from certain individuals to mimic the Australian path, a federal ban is currently seen as unlikely.

Worldwide Outlook

Outside of these regions, additional countries are likewise exploring options.

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

Yet, world agencies take a more measured stance. The UN children's agency has cautioned that blanket prohibitions have downsides and "may even have unintended consequences". The body notes that online platforms can be a "critical link" for isolated youth and that bans should not be a "substitute" for platform operators to improve child safeguards.

While this worldwide conversation continues, the steps of Australia and several other countries show that policymakers around the world are increasingly prepared to stand by for the industry to self-regulate.