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Australia's controversial policy to restrict social platforms access for individuals under sixteen is sending ripples worldwide. Officials, campaigners, and families are monitoring intently to see if this tactic will inspire imitation for other nations.

Across Europe Movement

In Europe, a rising group of countries are considering comparable measures.

• Denmark plans a prohibition on social media for youth below 15, with the prime minister arguing that smartphones and platforms are "taking away our children's youth". The policy may be passed next year.
• Norway is set to enforce a age restriction of 15, highlighting the need to shield young people from the "manipulative force of the algorithms".
• Ireland is working on a digital ID system to authenticate the user details of social media account holders. Officials have indicated that an similar ban is "a potential options on the table".
• In Spain, the prime minister has urged the legislature to enact a bill lifting the legal age for accessing social media to 16.
• In The French government, the head of state has proposed a ban for children below 15, and a parliamentary commission has recommended a similar move, potentially involving an overnight "internet blackout" for 15- to 18-year-olds.
• The administration in The Dutch government has advised guardians to prevent their youngsters from social media up to the age of 15.

Across the European Union, the EU parliament has passed a advisory motion supporting a ban for minors without parental consent is given. Even though it warns of the "compulsive" quality of these platforms, the move does not create enforceable legislation.

"An effective age barrier is a solid first step," said one parliamentarian driving the resolution.

Britain: A Watchful Eye

For the United Kingdom, the administration has remained open to a possible ban, arguing that "no option is discarded" but stressing any action must be "based on robust research".

Earlier, support grew behind a legislative effort to impose controls on social media use by minors, but it was eventually modified. Nonetheless, the administration pledged to investigate the matter.

Charities have expressed apprehensions. An organization established by the loved ones of a girl who took her own life after viewing dangerous online content argues that a simple age ban may not protect children and could result in a "dangerous transition" of risk when young people reach the legal age.

"The Australian ban is a answer to the refusal of the social media companies to design products and services that are appropriate and age appropriate for minors," commented a prominent peer.

America: A Fragmented Landscape

Across America, action is mostly happening at the local level against a backdrop of country-wide inaction.

• Utah mandates guardian permission for minors to use social media and restricts nighttime use.
• Florida has enacted a measure banning children under fourteen from joining social media, though it faces constitutional disputes.
• Virginia has enacted a rule limiting minors to one hour of social media time per day, with any further time dependent on adult consent.
• Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have similarly enacted bills demanding adult authorization for under-16s to open social media accounts.

Even with cross-party agreement and suggestions from various figures to mimic the Australian example, a federal ban is currently seen as a distant prospect.

Global Outlook

Apart from these regions, other states are similarly exploring options.

• Malaysia aims to prohibit social media for teenagers starting from next year.
• Brazil has raised the minimum age for one major platform to 16.

However, international bodies strike a more nuanced tone. A major UN agency has advised that age-based restrictions carry risks and "could have unintended consequences". The agency notes that online platforms can be a "vital connection" for vulnerable children and that regulation should not be a "substitute" for tech companies to prioritize user protection.

As this global discussion continues, the steps of Australia and several other countries indicate that policymakers around the world are no longer prepared to wait for the industry to act voluntarily.