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Australia's decisive action to prohibit social platforms access for individuals under sixteen is sending ripples around the globe. Officials, child protection groups, and families are observing closely to see if this approach will inspire imitation for other nations.

European Momentum

Throughout Europe, a increasing chorus of countries are moving toward comparable measures.

• Denmark has announced a prohibition on social media for under-15s, with the leader arguing that phones and platforms are "robbing our youngsters' youth". A law is expected to be formalized soon.
• The Norwegian government is preparing to enforce a access barrier of 15, highlighting the need to protect children from the "manipulative force of the algorithms".
• Ireland is working on a digital wallet to verify the identity and age of social media account holders. Authorities have indicated that an Australian-model ban could be "one of the tools in reserve".
• In Spain, the president has asked parliament to pass a bill lifting the access age for accessing social media to 16.
• In The French government, the leader has proposed a ban for children below 15, and a government panel has endorsed a comparable move, including an overnight "internet blackout" for 15- to 18-year-olds.
• The government in The Netherlands has urged families to restrict their kids from social media up to the age of 15.

For the broader EU, the EU parliament has adopted a advisory resolution supporting a ban for teenagers under 16 unless parental consent is provided. Although it warns of the "habit-forming" design of these platforms, the step does not create mandatory rules.

"An effective age limit is a good foundation," said the parliamentarian behind the initiative.

The UK: An Evidence-Based Stance

In the UK, the administration has kept open a possible ban, stating that "no measure is discarded" but insisting any decision must be "supported by conclusive research".

Earlier, support grew behind a proposal to enact limits on social media use by teenagers, but it was ultimately watered down. However, the government committed to further research the topic.

Advocacy groups have voiced warnings. A prominent charity set up by the loved ones of a girl who died after encountering dangerous social media material contends that a blanket age ban could fail to make platforms safer and could result in a "cliff edge" of risk when young people turn 16.

"The Australian ban is a reaction to the inability of the Silicon Valley to create tools that are safe and age appropriate for children," stated a leading peer.

The United States: A Decentralized Landscape

Across America, regulation is primarily occurring at the local government level due to national gridlock.

• Utah demands parental consent for those under 18 to use social media and restricts overnight use.
• Florida has enacted a measure banning those below 14 from creating accounts on social media, though it faces court battles.
• The state of Virginia has approved a law restricting under-16s to 60 minutes of social media time per day, with additional time needing a guardian's okay.
• Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have similarly enacted bills demanding guardian approval for minors to create social media profiles.

Even with cross-party agreement and suggestions from some individuals to follow Australia's path, a federal ban is currently seen as improbable.

Worldwide Views

Outside of Europe and the US, other countries are likewise exploring options.

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

But, international organizations take a more measured tone. A major UN agency has warned that age-based restrictions pose dangers and "could have unintended consequences". The body highlights that the internet can be a "critical link" for vulnerable children and that bans should not be a "excuse" for tech companies to improve safety.

As this worldwide conversation continues, the actions of Australia and its followers demonstrate that governments internationally are no longer content to wait for platforms to make changes on their own.