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Australia's decisive policy to ban social platforms access for those under 16 is creating waves around the globe. Officials, campaigners, and families are watching with great interest to see if this approach will set a precedent for other nations.

European Momentum

Across Europe, a growing chorus of states are moving toward similar measures.

• The Danish government has stated a prohibition on social media for children under fifteen, with the prime minister stating that mobile devices and networks are "stealing our kids' youth". Legislation may be enacted soon.
• Norway is set to enforce a minimum age limit of 15, highlighting the need to safeguard young people from the "manipulative force of the algorithms".
• Ireland is developing a digital ID system to verify the identity and age of social media users. Authorities have suggested that an similar ban is "an tools under consideration".
• In Spain, the prime minister has called on the legislature to enact a bill raising the legal age for using social media to 16.
• In The French government, the head of state has proposed a ban for under-15s, and a parliamentary commission has suggested a related move, including an overnight "internet blackout" for older teenagers.
• The authorities in The Netherlands has recommended guardians to block their youngsters from social media before 15.

For the broader EU, the EU parliament has passed a symbolic statement supporting a ban for minors unless guardian approval is granted. While it warns of the "habit-forming" quality of these services, the move does not establish enforceable legislation.

"A clear age limit is a good first step," stated a leading MEP behind the measure.

The United Kingdom: A Cautious Eye

In the UK, the leadership has not ruled out a future ban, arguing that "no measure is discarded" but insisting any action must be "grounded in conclusive data".

Last year, support gathered behind a legislative effort to introduce controls on social media use by under-16s, but it was ultimately modified. However, the government committed to further research the issue.

Charities have raised warnings. A prominent charity established by the family of a young person who died after being exposed to disturbing social media material contends that a simple age ban might not protect children and could result in a "dangerous transition" of risk when users reach the legal age.

"This ban is a reaction to the failure of the tech sector to design tools that are safe and suitable for minors," commented a influential online safety campaigner.

The United States: A State-by-State Picture

Across America, legislation is mostly happening at the regional level due to federal inaction.

• Utah mandates parental consent for minors to use social media and restricts late-night use.
• Florida has enacted a measure barring children under fourteen from accessing social media, though it is subject to constitutional disputes.
• Virginia has enacted a law capping under-16s to a single hour of social media time per day, with additional time needing parental permission.
• The state of Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and Louisiana have likewise introduced measures mandating parental consent for under-16s to create social media presences.

Even with cross-party agreement and proposals from various politicians to mimic this example, a US-wide ban is right now seen as unlikely.

International Perspectives

Outside of these regions, other countries are similarly considering moves.

• Malaysia plans to ban social media for teenagers effective next year.
• The Brazilian authorities has increased the access age for the platform Instagram to 16.

However, global agencies adopt a more measured position. The UN children's agency has advised that blanket prohibitions have downsides and "could have unintended consequences". The body highlights that online platforms can be a "lifeline" for marginalized youth and that regulation should not be a "replacement" for social media firms to improve safety.

While this worldwide debate unfolds, the policies of Australia and its followers demonstrate that states globally are no longer content to wait for the industry to make changes on their own.