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The Australian controversial move to restrict social platforms access for young people below 16 is creating waves around the globe. Politicians, campaigners, and parents are monitoring closely to see if this strategy will inspire imitation for other nations.

European Trend

In Europe, a increasing chorus of states are exploring comparable bans.

• Denmark has stated a prohibition on social media for children under fifteen, with the leader declaring that mobile devices and networks are "robbing our youngsters' youth". Legislation could be formalized in the coming year.
• Norway is preparing to implement a age restriction of 15, citing the need to safeguard the young from the "influence of the AI".
• The Irish government is developing a digital wallet to confirm the age and identity of social media account holders. Authorities have stated that an similar ban remains "an tools in reserve".
• In The Spanish government, the president has called on the legislature to approve a bill increasing the legal age for accessing social media to 16.
• In France, the leader has proposed a ban for children below 15, and a government panel has endorsed a related step, alongside an overnight "internet blackout" for adolescents.
• The government in the Netherlands has recommended families to restrict their children from social media up to the age of 15.

At the EU level, the bloc's legislature has adopted a symbolic motion supporting a ban for under-16s except if a parent decides otherwise is provided. While it cautions of the "habit-forming" design of these apps, the move does not establish enforceable legislation.

"A strong age limit is a good first step," commented one European lawmaker behind the initiative.

Britain: An Evidence-Based Approach

In the UK, the administration has remained open to a potential ban, stating that "no measure is being dismissed" but maintaining any decision must be "supported by strong data".

Earlier, support grew behind a proposal to enact limits on social media use by under-16s, but it was in the end watered down. Nonetheless, the government vowed to conduct more studies the issue.

Campaign organizations have voiced warnings. An organization established by the loved ones of a young person who died after viewing harmful platform posts argues that a strict age ban might not make platforms safer and could result in a "cliff edge" of harm when users turn 16.

"This ban is a answer to the refusal of the tech sector to build tools that are appropriate and suitable for minors," said a leading online safety campaigner.

America: A Decentralized Approach

Stateside, legislation is largely unfolding at the regional level against a backdrop of country-wide stalemate.

• The state of Utah requires guardian permission for under-18s to use social media and restricts nighttime use.
• The state of Florida has passed a bill banning those below 14 from joining social media, though it is subject to constitutional disputes.
• Virginia has passed a regulation restricting under-16s to a single hour of social media time per day, with additional time needing a guardian's okay.
• Georgia, Tennessee, and The state of Louisiana have similarly introduced measures mandating parental consent for under-16s to open social media accounts.

Despite cross-party agreement and calls from certain figures to follow the Australian example, a federal ban is currently seen as unlikely.

Global Outlook

Apart from Europe and the US, further nations are likewise exploring options.

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

However, international agencies strike a more measured stance. Unicef has advised that social media bans have downsides and "might prove counterproductive". The agency points out that online platforms can be a "lifeline" for marginalized children and that government action should not be a "replacement" for social media firms to invest in user protection.

As this international debate unfolds, the actions of Australia and its followers indicate that states globally are no longer prepared to wait for tech companies to self-regulate.