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Australia's controversial action to prohibit social platforms access for young people below 16 is sending ripples internationally. Lawmakers, campaigners, and families are observing with great interest to see if this tactic will become a template for other nations.

The European Momentum

In Europe, a rising chorus of countries are moving toward comparable bans.

• Denmark has stated a ban on social media for children under fifteen, with the PM stating that smartphones and platforms are "taking away our youngsters' childhood". The policy is expected to be enacted soon.
• The Norwegian government is planning to implement a age restriction of 15, highlighting the need to protect young people from the "power of the recommendation systems".
• The Irish government is developing a online verification tool to authenticate the identity and age of social media users. Authorities have indicated that an Australian-model ban could be "one of the tools on the table".
• In Spain, the president has called on parliament to pass a law increasing the legal age for using social media to 16.
• In France, the head of state has floated the idea of a ban for under-15s, and a legislative committee has endorsed a similar move, including an overnight "internet blackout" for adolescents.
• The administration in The Netherlands has advised parents to restrict their youngsters from social media until 15.

Across the European Union, the European parliament has approved a advisory statement calling for a ban for teenagers under 16 except if parental consent is given. Although it cautions of the "addictive" quality of these platforms, the resolution does not establish enforceable legislation.

"A strong age barrier is a useful starting point," commented the MEP behind the measure.

The United Kingdom: An Evidence-Based Eye

Across Britain, the administration has remained open to a potential ban, arguing that "no option is discarded" but maintaining any policy must be "grounded in robust evidence".

Last year, interest grew behind a legislative effort to impose limits on social media use by under-16s, but it was in the end modified. Instead, the administration pledged to investigate the matter.

Campaign organizations have raised apprehensions. A prominent charity set up by the relatives of a girl who died after viewing disturbing platform posts contends that a strict age ban might not make platforms safer and could create a "sudden drop-off" of exposure when teens turn 16.

"The Australian ban is a reaction to the refusal of the Silicon Valley to build tools that are secure and age appropriate for children," stated a leading online safety campaigner.

The US: A Decentralized Approach

Stateside, regulation is mostly happening at the state government level due to national inaction.

• Utah requires parental consent for under-18s to use social media and restricts overnight use.
• The state of Florida has signed a bill barring children under fourteen from joining social media, though it faces court battles.
• Virginia has approved a regulation capping under-16s to 60 minutes of social media access per day, with any further time dependent on parental permission.
• Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have also introduced bills demanding guardian approval for under-16s to set up social media accounts.

Despite widespread concern and proposals from various individuals to follow the Australian example, a US-wide ban is currently seen as a distant prospect.

Global Views

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

• Malaysia plans to prohibit social media for those under sixteen starting from next year.
• Brazil has lifted the access age for the platform Instagram to 16.

However, global agencies strike a more cautious tone. Unicef has warned that age-based restrictions carry risks and "may even have unintended consequences". The organization highlights that the internet can be a "vital connection" for vulnerable youth and that regulation should not be a "replacement" for platform operators to improve safety.

While this global debate continues, the steps of Australia and its followers indicate that policymakers globally are less and less prepared to delay for tech companies to self-regulate.