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The Australian controversial action to prohibit social platforms access for young people below 16 is creating waves internationally. Politicians, child protection groups, and families are monitoring with great interest to see if this tactic will inspire imitation for other nations.

The European Movement

In Europe, a increasing chorus of countries are moving toward similar bans.

• The Danish government has stated a restriction on social media for youth below 15, with the leader declaring that phones and apps are "robbing our children's youth". Legislation is expected to be enacted soon.
• The Norwegian government is set to enforce a minimum age limit of 15, highlighting the need to protect children from the "power of the AI".
• The Irish government is working on a digital wallet to verify the age and identity of social media users. Officials have stated that an Australian-model ban remains "a potential options under consideration".
• In The Spanish government, the leader has urged parliament to enact a proposal lifting the minimum age for accessing social media to 16.
• In France, the leader has proposed a ban for under-15s, and a parliamentary commission has endorsed a similar move, including an overnight "digital curfew" for 15- to 18-year-olds.
• The administration in The Netherlands has recommended parents to prevent their kids from social media until 15.

Across the European Union, the bloc's legislature has approved a advisory motion demanding a ban for teenagers under 16 unless guardian approval is granted. While it warns of the "compulsive" design of these platforms, the move does not enact mandatory rules.

"An effective age limit is a useful starting point," said the MEP behind the initiative.

The United Kingdom: A Cautious Stance

In the UK, the leadership has not ruled out a future ban, stating that "no measure is discarded" but insisting any policy must be "based on conclusive evidence".

Last year, momentum gathered behind a proposal to introduce limits on social media use by teenagers, but it was in the end modified. Instead, the government pledged to investigate the topic.

Charities have voiced warnings. An organization established by the family of a girl who was lost after being exposed to dangerous online content contends that a blanket age ban might not improve online safety and could lead to a "sudden drop-off" of risk when young people turn 16.

"This ban is a answer to the failure of the Silicon Valley to build tools that are safe and suitable for young users," said a leading peer.

The United States: A Fragmented Approach

In the United States, action is largely occurring at the local level due to country-wide inaction.

• Utah requires adult approval for those under 18 to use social media and limits late-night use.
• Florida has signed a law barring those below 14 from creating accounts on social media, though it is entangled in court battles.
• Virginia has passed a rule limiting teenagers to one hour of social media time per day, with additional use requiring a guardian's okay.
• Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and Louisiana have likewise passed laws requiring parental consent for minors to open social media presences.

Even with cross-party agreement and suggestions from some individuals to follow this lead, a federal ban is presently seen as a distant prospect.

Worldwide Outlook

Outside of these regions, additional nations are also exploring options.

• Malaysia plans to prohibit social media for those under sixteen starting from next year.
• The Brazilian authorities has lifted the minimum age for the platform Instagram to 16.

Yet, international agencies take a more measured position. The UN children's agency has warned that blanket prohibitions have downsides and "might backfire". The agency points out that social networks can be a "critical link" for isolated children and that bans should not be a "substitute" for social media firms to prioritize safety.

Even as this worldwide discussion unfolds, the policies of this nation and several other countries demonstrate that policymakers internationally are increasingly content to wait for tech companies to make changes on their own.