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Australia's decisive move to restrict social platforms access for individuals under sixteen is creating waves internationally. Politicians, campaigners, and parents are monitoring intently to see if this approach will inspire imitation for the rest of the world.

The European Trend

Throughout Europe, a increasing group of states are moving toward parallel restrictions.

• Denmark has announced a prohibition on social media for under-15s, with the PM declaring that phones and apps are "robbing our kids' childhood". Legislation may be passed in the coming year.
• Norway is preparing to implement a minimum age limit of 15, highlighting the need to shield children from the "influence of the algorithms".
• Ireland is working on a digital ID system to confirm the identity and age of social media participants. Authorities have indicated that an similar ban remains "an options on the table".
• In The Spanish government, the president has called on the legislature to approve a law raising the minimum age for using social media to 16.
• In The French government, the leader has floated the idea of a ban for children below 15, and a legislative committee has recommended a related action, including an overnight "digital curfew" for older teenagers.
• The administration in The Dutch government has advised parents to block their children from social media until 15.

For the broader EU, the EU parliament has passed a non-binding statement demanding a ban for teenagers under 16 without a parent decides otherwise is granted. Even though it warns of the "addictive" nature of these apps, the move does not enact binding law.

"An effective age barrier is a solid first step," commented one European lawmaker behind the initiative.

The United Kingdom: A Cautious Eye

In the UK, the government has kept open a potential ban, stating that "no measure is being dismissed" but insisting any action must be "based on robust evidence".

Previously, interest grew behind a proposal to introduce restrictions on social media use by teenagers, but it was eventually modified. However, the administration vowed to conduct more studies the topic.

Charities have voiced concerns. One foundation established by the loved ones of a young person who died after being exposed to disturbing social media material suggests that a strict age ban could fail to protect children and could result in a "sudden drop-off" of harm when young people turn 16.

"Australia's ban is a answer to the failure of the tech sector to build platforms and apps that are appropriate and suitable for children," said a prominent child protection advocate.

America: A State-by-State Landscape

In the United States, action is mostly unfolding at the state government level amid federal inaction.

• The state of Utah requires parental consent for minors to use social media and restricts overnight use.
• The state of Florida has passed a law prohibiting under-14s from creating accounts on social media, though it is entangled in constitutional disputes.
• Virginia has enacted a regulation restricting under-16s to 60 minutes of social media time per day, with additional time requiring parental permission.
• Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and Louisiana have also introduced laws mandating adult authorization for teenagers to open social media presences.

Despite widespread concern and suggestions from various individuals to follow this example, a US-wide ban is currently seen as improbable.

International Perspectives

Beyond the West, other nations are similarly taking action.

• Malaysia plans to ban social media for those under sixteen beginning next year.
• The Brazilian authorities has increased the access age for Instagram to 16.

But, international agencies strike a more measured position. The UN children's agency has advised that age-based restrictions have downsides and "could backfire". The body points out that the internet can be a "critical link" for vulnerable children and that regulation should not be a "replacement" for social media firms to prioritize child safeguards.

Even as this global debate evolves, the policies of Australia and several other countries indicate that policymakers globally are less and less willing to stand by for the industry to self-regulate.