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Australia's decisive policy to ban social platforms access for those under 16 is sending ripples around the globe. Officials, campaigners, and families are observing closely to see if this tactic will inspire imitation for countries abroad.

Across Europe Movement

Throughout Europe, a rising number of countries are moving toward parallel measures.

• Denmark plans a restriction on social media for under-15s, with the PM arguing that mobile devices and platforms are "robbing our kids' innocence". A law could be enacted soon.
• Norway is planning to enforce a age restriction of 15, highlighting the need to protect young people from the "manipulative force of the AI".
• Ireland is developing a digital ID system to verify the age and identity of social media account holders. Officials have stated that an similar ban could be "a potential tools on the table".
• In Spain, the president has asked parliament to approve a law increasing the minimum age for using social media to 16.
• In France, the head of state has threatened a ban for those under fifteen, and a parliamentary commission has recommended a similar step, potentially involving an overnight "internet blackout" for older teenagers.
• The authorities in The Dutch government has advised guardians to block their kids from social media before 15.

Across the European Union, the European parliament has adopted a non-binding motion supporting a ban for minors unless parental consent is granted. While it warns of the "compulsive" quality of these platforms, the step does not create enforceable legislation.

"An effective age limit is a good first step," stated one European lawmaker supporting the measure.

Britain: A Watchful Approach

In the UK, the government has remained open to a potential ban, stating that "nothing is off the table" but maintaining any decision must be "grounded in robust research".

Previously, support grew behind a bill to impose restrictions on social media use by under-16s, but it was ultimately modified. Nonetheless, the administration pledged to investigate the matter.

Charities have expressed concerns. A prominent charity set up by the relatives of a young person who took her own life after encountering disturbing online content argues that a blanket age ban could fail to improve online safety and could lead to a "cliff edge" of exposure when young people turn 16.

"This ban is a reaction to the inability of the social media companies to create tools that are secure and age appropriate for children," stated a leading child protection advocate.

America: A Fragmented Picture

Stateside, legislation is primarily unfolding at the local level due to national stalemate.

• Utah demands parental consent for under-18s to use social media and limits overnight use.
• Florida has enacted a law banning those below 14 from joining social media, though it is subject to legal challenges.
• Virginia has approved a law limiting teenagers to one hour of social media use per day, with any further access requiring parental permission.
• Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and Louisiana have also passed bills requiring adult authorization for under-16s to open social media accounts.

Despite widespread concern and calls from various individuals to follow this path, a nationwide ban is right now seen as a distant prospect.

Worldwide Perspectives

Apart from Europe and the US, further nations are similarly taking action.

• Malaysia intends to prohibit social media for teenagers starting from next year.
• The Brazilian authorities has increased the minimum age for one major platform to 16.

But, world agencies strike a more nuanced tone. Unicef has cautioned that age-based restrictions carry risks and "might prove counterproductive". The agency highlights that social networks can be a "critical link" for isolated young people and that government action should not be a "replacement" for platform operators to invest in child safeguards.

While this international conversation evolves, the policies of the Australian government and others show that states internationally are less and less willing to wait for the industry to act voluntarily.