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The Australian bold move to restrict social platforms access for individuals under sixteen is creating waves internationally. Politicians, safety advocates, and families are observing closely to see if this approach will set a precedent for countries abroad.

European Movement

In Europe, a rising chorus of countries are considering similar restrictions.

• Denmark plans a restriction on social media for under-15s, with the PM declaring that phones and platforms are "robbing our children's innocence". A law could be formalized in the coming year.
• Norway is planning to enforce a minimum age limit of 15, pointing to the need to shield the young from the "manipulative force of the AI".
• Ireland is working on a digital wallet to confirm the age and identity of social media users. The media minister have indicated that an Australia-style ban is "an measures on the table".
• In Spain, the leader has called on lawmakers to approve a proposal increasing the legal age for using social media to 16.
• In The French government, the president has proposed a ban for under-15s, and a parliamentary commission has endorsed a comparable move, alongside an overnight "screen time restriction" for adolescents.
• The administration in The Dutch government has urged parents to prevent their youngsters from social media until 15.

At the EU level, the European parliament has approved a non-binding statement calling for a ban for minors without guardian approval is provided. Although it cautions of the "habit-forming" quality of these services, the resolution does not establish enforceable legislation.

"A strong age limit is a good foundation," commented a leading parliamentarian driving the measure.

The United Kingdom: A Watchful Eye

Across Britain, the government has not ruled out a future ban, arguing that "no option is being dismissed" but maintaining any policy must be "grounded in conclusive research".

Last year, momentum grew behind a bill to introduce limits on social media use by under-16s, but it was ultimately weakened. Instead, the administration vowed to conduct more studies the topic.

Advocacy groups have voiced apprehensions. One foundation set up by the family of a young person who died after viewing harmful platform posts suggests that a strict age ban could fail to improve online safety and could create a "cliff edge" of exposure when users turn 16.

"Australia's ban is a response to the refusal of the social media companies to create tools that are safe and fit for minors," stated a influential child protection advocate.

The United States: A Fragmented Approach

Stateside, regulation is primarily unfolding at the state level amid national gridlock.

• Utah mandates guardian permission for those under 18 to use social media and restricts overnight use.
• The state of Florida has enacted a law barring children under fourteen from creating accounts on social media, though it faces court battles.
• Virginia has approved a law capping minors to one hour of social media access per day, with any further use needing adult consent.
• Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and Louisiana have also passed bills demanding guardian approval for teenagers to set up social media accounts.

Despite cross-party agreement and calls from some individuals to follow Australia's lead, a US-wide ban is right now seen as unlikely.

Global Perspectives

Beyond these regions, further states are likewise exploring options.

• Malaysia aims to ban social media for teenagers starting from next year.
• The Brazilian authorities has increased the minimum age for Instagram to 16.

However, world organizations strike a more cautious tone. Unicef has cautioned that age-based restrictions carry risks and "may even have unintended consequences". The organization points out that social networks can be a "vital connection" for marginalized children and that bans should not be a "substitute" for social media firms to prioritize child safeguards.

As this worldwide debate continues, the actions of Australia and its followers indicate that states around the world are less and less content to delay for tech companies to self-regulate.