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Australia's decisive policy to ban social platforms access for those under 16 is sending ripples around the globe. Lawmakers, safety advocates, and parents are watching closely to see if this approach will set a precedent for countries abroad.

The European Trend

In Europe, a rising number of countries are considering parallel restrictions.

• The Danish government has stated a restriction on social media for youth below 15, with the prime minister declaring that smartphones and networks are "stealing our youngsters' youth". Legislation could be formalized in the coming year.
• Norway is set to enforce a age restriction of 15, citing the need to protect young people from the "manipulative force of the AI".
• The Irish government is introducing a digital wallet to verify the age and identity of social media account holders. Officials have indicated that an similar ban remains "an measures in reserve".
• In Spain, the prime minister has called on the legislature to pass a law increasing the access age for joining social media to 16.
• In France, the leader has floated the idea of a ban for children below 15, and a parliamentary commission has suggested a similar move, including an overnight "digital curfew" for 15- to 18-year-olds.
• The administration in the Netherlands has recommended guardians to block their kids from social media until 15.

For the broader EU, the European parliament has approved a advisory resolution demanding a ban for minors except if guardian approval is granted. While it cautions of the "addictive" quality of these platforms, the move does not enact enforceable legislation.

"A clear age restriction is a useful first step," commented the parliamentarian driving the resolution.

Britain: A Watchful Stance

In the UK, the administration has kept open a potential ban, stating that "no option is discarded" but stressing any decision must be "grounded in robust data".

Last year, support built behind a proposal to introduce restrictions on social media use by minors, but it was ultimately weakened. Nonetheless, the administration vowed to further research the issue.

Charities have raised warnings. A prominent charity founded by the relatives of a teenager who took her own life after being exposed to dangerous social media material contends that a blanket age ban might not improve online safety and could lead to a "cliff edge" of risk when young people turn 16.

"This ban is a answer to the inability of the social media companies to create platforms and apps that are appropriate and age appropriate for young users," said a leading online safety campaigner.

America: A Fragmented Landscape

Across America, regulation is largely happening at the local level against a backdrop of national stalemate.

• Utah requires parental consent for those under 18 to use social media and limits nighttime use.
• Florida has enacted a bill prohibiting children under fourteen from joining social media, though it is subject to legal challenges.
• Virginia has approved a rule capping teenagers to 60 minutes of social media time per day, with extra access requiring parental permission.
• Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have similarly enacted laws requiring parental consent for teenagers to open social media profiles.

Despite bipartisan support and calls from various politicians to mimic Australia's lead, a US-wide ban is presently seen as unlikely.

Worldwide Views

Outside of these regions, other nations are similarly taking action.

• The Malaysian government plans to restrict social media for those under sixteen beginning next year.
• The Brazilian authorities has increased the minimum age for Instagram to 16.

However, world bodies strike a more cautious position. A major UN agency has advised that social media bans pose dangers and "might prove counterproductive". The body points out that the internet can be a "critical link" for isolated youth and that government action should not be a "substitute" for tech companies to prioritize safety.

Even as this international discussion unfolds, the policies of Australia and several other countries show that policymakers internationally are no longer prepared to delay for tech companies to act voluntarily.