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The Australian decisive policy to restrict social platforms access for individuals under sixteen is sending ripples around the globe. Officials, campaigners, and parents are watching intently to see if this strategy will become a template for countries abroad.

The European Trend

In Europe, a increasing number of nations are considering parallel measures.

• Denmark plans a prohibition on social media for children under fifteen, with the PM stating that mobile devices and networks are "stealing our children's childhood". The policy could be enacted in the coming year.
• Norway is set to implement a access barrier of 15, highlighting the need to shield the young from the "power of the algorithms".
• The Irish government is working on a digital wallet to verify the identity and age of social media participants. Officials have indicated that an Australian-model ban remains "a potential tools under consideration".
• In Spain, the president has called on lawmakers to pass a bill increasing the minimum age for using social media to 16.
• In The French government, the leader has threatened a ban for children below 15, and a legislative committee has suggested a comparable action, potentially involving an overnight "digital curfew" for older teenagers.
• The government in the Netherlands has urged guardians to restrict their children from social media before 15.

At the EU level, the bloc's legislature has approved a non-binding statement supporting a ban for minors without parental consent is given. Even though it warns of the "habit-forming" quality of these platforms, the step does not establish binding law.

"A strong age limit is a solid first step," stated a leading European lawmaker behind the measure.

Britain: A Cautious Stance

For the United Kingdom, the leadership has kept open a potential ban, stating that "no option is being dismissed" but stressing any policy must be "grounded in conclusive data".

Last year, support grew behind a legislative effort to enact limits on social media use by minors, but it was in the end watered down. Nonetheless, the government pledged to investigate the matter.

Charities have voiced warnings. An organization established by the family of a teenager who was lost after being exposed to dangerous online content argues that a blanket age ban may not protect children and could lead to a "sudden drop-off" of exposure when young people turn 16.

"Australia's ban is a reaction to the refusal of the Silicon Valley to build tools that are secure and fit for minors," said a prominent child protection advocate.

America: A State-by-State Landscape

Across America, action is primarily happening at the regional level amid country-wide inaction.

• The state of Utah demands adult approval for minors to use social media and controls overnight use.
• Florida has signed a law banning those below 14 from accessing social media, though it is entangled in constitutional disputes.
• Virginia has enacted a law capping under-16s to 60 minutes of social media time per day, with any further use needing parental permission.
• The state of Georgia, Tennessee, and The state of Louisiana have likewise passed bills requiring parental consent for minors to open social media accounts.

Even with cross-party agreement and suggestions from various individuals to copy the Australian lead, a federal ban is currently seen as a distant prospect.

Global Perspectives

Outside of Europe and the US, further states are likewise exploring options.

• The Malaysian government aims to restrict social media for teenagers beginning next year.
• Brazil has increased the required age for the platform Instagram to 16.

However, international agencies strike a more cautious position. A major UN agency has advised that age-based restrictions carry risks and "could backfire". The organization notes that online platforms can be a "vital connection" for isolated youth and that government action should not be a "substitute" for social media firms to invest in safety.

As this global discussion unfolds, the actions of the Australian government and its followers indicate that states globally are no longer willing to wait for platforms to self-regulate.