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The Australian controversial action to ban social platforms access for those under 16 is creating waves worldwide. Politicians, child protection groups, and guardians are monitoring with great interest to see if this approach will become a template for the rest of the world.

Across Europe Movement

Across Europe, a growing number of nations are exploring comparable bans.

• Denmark has announced a prohibition on social media for under-15s, with the leader declaring that phones and networks are "stealing our kids' childhood". Legislation may be passed next year.
• The Norwegian government is preparing to implement a access barrier of 15, highlighting the need to protect the young from the "manipulative force of the algorithms".
• Ireland is developing a digital wallet to confirm the user details of social media account holders. The media minister have stated that an Australian-model ban is "a potential measures under consideration".
• In Spain, the prime minister has urged lawmakers to approve a bill increasing the minimum age for accessing social media to 16.
• In France, the leader has proposed a ban for children below 15, and a government panel has suggested a comparable action, including an overnight "digital curfew" for older teenagers.
• The government in The Dutch government has recommended guardians to restrict their children from social media before 15.

At the EU level, the EU parliament has adopted a advisory motion demanding a ban for minors without parental consent is granted. Even though it cautions of the "addictive" nature of these services, the move does not create mandatory rules.

"A strong age limit is a useful foundation," stated a leading parliamentarian driving the resolution.

Britain: A Watchful Stance

Across Britain, the administration has not ruled out a possible ban, emphasizing that "no option is being dismissed" but insisting any decision must be "supported by robust evidence".

Previously, interest built behind a legislative effort to enact limits on social media use by teenagers, but it was eventually weakened. Instead, the administration committed to conduct more studies the topic.

Advocacy groups have voiced apprehensions. One foundation established by the family of a teenager who took her own life after being exposed to disturbing online content argues that a strict age ban might not improve online safety and could create a "dangerous transition" of exposure when users turn 16.

"This ban is a response to the refusal of the tech sector to design platforms and apps that are safe and age appropriate for minors," stated a leading child protection advocate.

America: A State-by-State Landscape

Stateside, action is largely happening at the state government level against a backdrop of national gridlock.

• Utah mandates parental consent for under-18s to use social media and controls nighttime use.
• Florida has passed a law barring those below 14 from creating accounts on social media, though it is subject to court battles.
• The state of Virginia has enacted a regulation restricting under-16s to one hour of social media access per day, with any further use dependent on parental permission.
• Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have likewise passed bills mandating parental consent for teenagers to open social media presences.

Even with cross-party agreement and proposals from some politicians to copy the Australian example, a federal ban is right now seen as a distant prospect.

Global Views

Beyond the West, further nations are likewise considering moves.

• Malaysia intends to ban social media for those under sixteen effective next year.
• Brazil has raised the minimum age for one major platform to 16.

Yet, global bodies adopt a more nuanced position. A major UN agency has warned that blanket prohibitions pose dangers and "may even have unintended consequences". The organization highlights that the internet can be a "vital connection" for marginalized youth and that bans should not be a "excuse" for tech companies to improve user protection.

While this global conversation evolves, the policies of this nation and others show that states globally are increasingly content to wait for platforms to act voluntarily.