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Australia's decisive policy to restrict social platforms access for those under 16 is creating waves internationally. Lawmakers, child protection groups, and guardians are watching intently to see if this approach will become a template for countries abroad.

Across Europe Trend

Throughout Europe, a increasing number of countries are considering parallel measures.

• Denmark has announced a ban on social media for youth below 15, with the prime minister stating that smartphones and apps are "stealing our youngsters' innocence". The policy may be formalized soon.
• The Norwegian government is planning to enforce a minimum age limit of 15, pointing to the need to shield the young from the "influence of the algorithms".
• Ireland is working on a digital ID system to confirm the user details of social media users. Authorities have suggested that an similar ban could be "an tools in reserve".
• In Spain, the prime minister has called on parliament to enact a law lifting the legal age for accessing social media to 16.
• In France, the leader has floated the idea of a ban for those under fifteen, and a legislative committee has suggested a similar action, potentially involving an overnight "digital curfew" for older teenagers.
• The government in the Netherlands has advised parents to block their children from social media before 15.

Across the European Union, the EU parliament has adopted a non-binding resolution demanding a ban for minors without a parent decides otherwise is granted. Even though it highlights of the "addictive" quality of these platforms, the resolution does not create binding law.

"An effective age restriction is a useful first step," stated the European lawmaker behind the measure.

The UK: A Cautious Eye

Across Britain, the administration has kept open a future ban, emphasizing that "no option is being dismissed" but stressing any action must be "supported by strong data".

Last year, support gathered behind a proposal to introduce controls on social media use by under-16s, but it was ultimately watered down. Instead, the government vowed to further research the topic.

Campaign organizations have voiced warnings. A prominent charity established by the family of a young person who took her own life after encountering harmful online content contends that a strict age ban may not make platforms safer and could result in a "sudden drop-off" of exposure when young people turn 16.

"Australia's ban is a response to the failure of the tech sector to build products and services that are safe and suitable for children," commented a prominent child protection advocate.

The US: A Fragmented Picture

Across America, regulation is mostly occurring at the regional level due to federal inaction.

• Utah demands parental consent for minors to use social media and controls overnight use.
• Florida has passed a bill prohibiting those below 14 from joining social media, though it faces legal challenges.
• The state of Virginia has enacted a rule restricting under-16s to one hour of social media use per day, with additional access dependent on adult consent.
• Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have similarly enacted laws mandating guardian approval for minors to create social media presences.

Even with cross-party agreement and calls from various politicians to mimic Australia's example, a federal ban is currently seen as unlikely.

Global Perspectives

Apart from these regions, additional nations are also considering moves.

• The Malaysian government intends to prohibit social media for those under sixteen beginning next year.
• Brazil has increased the access age for Instagram to 16.

However, international agencies take a more cautious position. Unicef has warned that blanket prohibitions pose dangers and "could prove counterproductive". The organization notes that the internet can be a "critical link" for isolated children and that bans should not be a "excuse" for platform operators to invest in safety.

As this global conversation continues, the actions of Australia and others demonstrate that states globally are no longer prepared to delay for the industry to act voluntarily.