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Australia's controversial policy to prohibit social platforms access for individuals under sixteen is sending ripples internationally. Politicians, campaigners, and guardians are observing closely to see if this strategy will become a template for other nations.

Across Europe Movement

In Europe, a growing chorus of states are moving toward similar measures.

• Denmark has announced a restriction on social media for youth below 15, with the PM arguing that mobile devices and platforms are "taking away our youngsters' childhood". Legislation is expected to be formalized next year.
• The Norwegian government is set to introduce a access barrier of 15, citing the need to protect young people from the "influence of the recommendation systems".
• Ireland is working on a digital ID system to authenticate the age and identity of social media account holders. Officials have suggested that an Australia-style ban is "a potential measures under consideration".
• In Spain, the prime minister has called on lawmakers to pass a bill raising the legal age for using social media to 16.
• In The French government, the leader has proposed a ban for those under fifteen, and a government panel has endorsed a related move, potentially involving an overnight "internet blackout" for 15- to 18-year-olds.
• The authorities in the Netherlands has recommended families to block their children from social media up to the age of 15.

For the broader EU, the bloc's legislature has approved a advisory resolution supporting a ban for minors without guardian approval is provided. Even though it cautions of the "compulsive" quality of these platforms, the step does not create mandatory rules.

"An effective age limit is a useful foundation," stated a leading parliamentarian behind the resolution.

The UK: A Watchful Eye

Across Britain, the leadership has kept open a possible ban, arguing that "nothing is off the table" but insisting any policy must be "based on strong evidence".

Last year, interest grew behind a legislative effort to introduce restrictions on social media use by minors, but it was eventually watered down. Instead, the government committed to conduct more studies the issue.

Campaign organizations have voiced warnings. One foundation founded by the relatives of a girl who took her own life after viewing disturbing social media material contends that a blanket age ban may not protect children and could lead to a "cliff edge" of exposure when young people become eligible.

"Australia's ban is a response to the refusal of the social media companies to design tools that are appropriate and suitable for children," said a influential child protection advocate.

The United States: A Decentralized Picture

Stateside, action is primarily unfolding at the state level amid federal gridlock.

• The state of Utah requires adult approval for those under 18 to use social media and restricts late-night use.
• Florida has passed a law prohibiting under-14s from accessing social media, though it is entangled in court battles.
• The state of Virginia has approved a regulation limiting teenagers to 60 minutes of social media use per day, with additional time dependent on adult consent.
• Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have likewise passed measures demanding adult authorization for minors to set up social media accounts.

Despite bipartisan support and proposals from certain politicians to copy Australia's path, a US-wide ban is currently seen as a distant prospect.

Global Outlook

Beyond Europe and the US, other countries are similarly taking action.

• Malaysia intends to restrict social media for teenagers starting from next year.
• Brazil has lifted the access age for Instagram to 16.

However, world bodies adopt a more nuanced tone. A major UN agency has advised that social media bans have downsides and "might prove counterproductive". The organization points out that online platforms can be a "critical link" for vulnerable children and that bans should not be a "substitute" for platform operators to prioritize user protection.

As this international discussion unfolds, the policies of this nation and others show that governments internationally are increasingly content to stand by for the industry to self-regulate.