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The Australian decisive policy to prohibit social platforms access for individuals under sixteen is creating waves worldwide. Politicians, safety advocates, and families are monitoring with great interest to see if this tactic will set a precedent for other nations.

Across Europe Movement

Throughout Europe, a rising chorus of states are moving toward parallel restrictions.

• The Danish government has stated a prohibition on social media for under-15s, with the leader declaring that mobile devices and apps are "stealing our kids' innocence". A law may be passed soon.
• The Norwegian government is set to introduce a access barrier of 15, pointing to the need to protect children from the "manipulative force of the algorithms".
• The Irish government is working on a digital wallet to verify the identity and age of social media account holders. Officials have stated that an Australia-style ban is "a potential options on the table".
• In The Spanish government, the prime minister has urged parliament to enact a proposal increasing the legal age for joining social media to 16.
• In France, the president has floated the idea of a ban for under-15s, and a parliamentary commission has endorsed a similar move, alongside an overnight "internet blackout" for 15- to 18-year-olds.
• The administration in the Netherlands has urged guardians to block their youngsters from social media up to the age of 15.

For the broader EU, the bloc's legislature has adopted a non-binding statement demanding a ban for under-16s except if guardian approval is provided. While it warns of the "addictive" design of these platforms, the move does not create mandatory rules.

"An effective age barrier is a good starting point," commented one parliamentarian supporting the measure.

The UK: A Cautious Stance

In the UK, the leadership has remained open to a future ban, emphasizing that "nothing is off the table" but insisting any decision must be "grounded in robust evidence".

Last year, support gathered behind a proposal to impose restrictions on social media use by under-16s, but it was eventually modified. Nonetheless, the administration committed to conduct more studies the matter.

Charities have expressed warnings. A prominent charity set up by the loved ones of a teenager who took her own life after being exposed to dangerous platform posts suggests that a simple age ban might not make platforms safer and could result in a "cliff edge" of risk when teens become eligible.

"This ban is a response to the refusal of the Silicon Valley to create platforms and apps that are appropriate and age appropriate for young users," stated a leading online safety campaigner.

The United States: A Fragmented Picture

Across America, action is mostly happening at the local government level against a backdrop of national stalemate.

• The state of Utah demands parental consent for minors to use social media and controls late-night use.
• The state of Florida has enacted a measure prohibiting children under fourteen from joining social media, though it faces court battles.
• Virginia has approved a regulation restricting under-16s to one hour of social media access per day, with extra access requiring a guardian's okay.
• Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and Louisiana have similarly passed bills requiring parental consent for minors to open social media presences.

Even with widespread concern and proposals from certain figures to copy this example, a nationwide ban is currently seen as a distant prospect.

Global Outlook

Beyond the West, further states are also considering moves.

• Malaysia intends to restrict social media for under-16s beginning next year.
• The Brazilian authorities has lifted the access age for Instagram to 16.

Yet, international bodies strike a more cautious stance. Unicef has cautioned that blanket prohibitions pose dangers and "might prove counterproductive". The organization points out that the internet can be a "critical link" for marginalized youth and that government action should not be a "excuse" for social media firms to prioritize user protection.

While this worldwide discussion continues, the policies of the Australian government and its followers demonstrate that states internationally are increasingly prepared to delay for tech companies to make changes on their own.