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Australia's controversial move to restrict social platforms access for individuals under sixteen is creating waves internationally. Officials, campaigners, and parents are observing with great interest to see if this strategy will inspire imitation for the rest of the world.

Across Europe Trend

Across Europe, a rising chorus of nations are exploring parallel measures.

• Denmark has announced a prohibition on social media for children under fifteen, with the PM arguing that smartphones and platforms are "stealing our children's youth". The policy could be enacted in the coming year.
• Norway is planning to introduce a minimum age limit of 15, citing the need to shield children from the "manipulative force of the AI".
• Ireland is introducing a online verification tool to verify the age and identity of social media participants. Officials have indicated that an similar ban could be "an measures in reserve".
• In Spain, the prime minister has called on parliament to enact a law raising the access age for accessing social media to 16.
• In France, the president has floated the idea of a ban for under-15s, and a government panel has endorsed a related step, alongside an overnight "screen time restriction" for older teenagers.
• The government in The Dutch government has recommended guardians to prevent their youngsters from social media before 15.

At the EU level, the European parliament has approved a symbolic resolution supporting a ban for teenagers under 16 unless a parent decides otherwise is given. Although it cautions of the "habit-forming" design of these services, the move does not enact mandatory rules.

"An effective age limit is a useful first step," stated one European lawmaker driving the initiative.

Britain: An Evidence-Based Eye

In the UK, the administration has not ruled out a possible ban, stating that "nothing is discarded" but stressing any policy must be "grounded in robust evidence".

Last year, support grew behind a legislative effort to enact controls on social media use by under-16s, but it was eventually weakened. Nonetheless, the administration vowed to further research the matter.

Advocacy groups have voiced concerns. One foundation founded by the relatives of a young person who died after viewing disturbing platform posts contends that a simple age ban might not protect children and could result in a "cliff edge" of harm when teens become eligible.

"This ban is a reaction to the refusal of the tech sector to design tools that are safe and fit for young users," stated a prominent peer.

The US: A Decentralized Approach

Across America, regulation is largely unfolding at the state level against a backdrop of country-wide stalemate.

• Utah mandates guardian permission for those under 18 to use social media and controls late-night use.
• The state of Florida has passed a measure prohibiting under-14s from creating accounts on social media, though it faces legal challenges.
• Virginia has enacted a law restricting under-16s to one hour of social media use per day, with extra time needing a guardian's okay.
• The state of Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and The state of Louisiana have similarly enacted laws requiring adult authorization for teenagers to set up social media accounts.

Even with bipartisan support and proposals from various politicians to copy Australia's path, a federal ban is presently seen as unlikely.

Global Perspectives

Beyond Europe and the US, further countries are likewise considering moves.

• Malaysia plans to ban social media for those under sixteen beginning next year.
• The Brazilian authorities has raised the required age for one major platform to 16.

But, international agencies take a more cautious stance. A major UN agency has warned that social media bans carry risks and "may even prove counterproductive". The organization points out that the internet can be a "lifeline" for vulnerable children and that government action should not be a "substitute" for social media firms to prioritize child safeguards.

Even as this global debate unfolds, the actions of the Australian government and others indicate that states globally are increasingly prepared to wait for tech companies to make changes on their own.