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Australia's bold policy to restrict social platforms access for young people below 16 is sending ripples worldwide. Lawmakers, safety advocates, and families are observing closely to see if this approach will set a precedent for countries abroad.

European Movement

Across Europe, a rising group of nations are moving toward similar bans.

• Denmark has stated a restriction on social media for under-15s, with the prime minister stating that mobile devices and platforms are "stealing our children's innocence". Legislation could be enacted in the coming year.
• The Norwegian government is planning to enforce a age restriction of 15, citing the need to protect children from the "power of the recommendation systems".
• Ireland is developing a digital ID system to authenticate the age and identity of social media users. Authorities have suggested that an Australia-style ban is "one of the options under consideration".
• In The Spanish government, the leader has urged the legislature to pass a proposal increasing the legal age for joining social media to 16.
• In France, the leader has threatened a ban for children below 15, and a legislative committee has recommended a comparable move, potentially involving an overnight "screen time restriction" for adolescents.
• The authorities in the Netherlands has advised parents to restrict their youngsters from social media before 15.

Across the European Union, the EU parliament has passed a symbolic motion demanding a ban for minors unless guardian approval is provided. Although it cautions of the "habit-forming" nature of these services, the move does not establish enforceable legislation.

"A clear age restriction is a good starting point," stated one European lawmaker supporting the resolution.

The UK: A Watchful Approach

For the United Kingdom, the administration has not ruled out a possible ban, arguing that "no option is discarded" but stressing any decision must be "supported by conclusive data".

Last year, interest gathered behind a proposal to enact controls on social media use by teenagers, but it was in the end watered down. Instead, the government pledged to investigate the topic.

Charities have voiced warnings. A prominent charity founded by the relatives of a young person who took her own life after encountering disturbing online content argues that a strict age ban may not make platforms safer and could result in a "sudden drop-off" of exposure when young people turn 16.

"This ban is a response to the refusal of the Silicon Valley to design platforms and apps that are safe and fit for minors," said a influential peer.

The US: A Decentralized Picture

In the United States, action is primarily unfolding at the local level against a backdrop of national stalemate.

• The state of Utah mandates guardian permission for minors to use social media and restricts late-night use.
• Florida has enacted a measure prohibiting children under fourteen from accessing social media, though it is entangled in constitutional disputes.
• Virginia has enacted a law limiting teenagers to a single hour of social media use per day, with additional time dependent on a guardian's okay.
• The state of Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and Louisiana have likewise passed laws requiring parental consent for under-16s to create social media accounts.

Despite cross-party agreement and suggestions from various individuals to follow the Australian path, a nationwide ban is presently seen as unlikely.

Worldwide Perspectives

Outside of these regions, other nations are similarly exploring options.

• Malaysia plans to prohibit social media for teenagers beginning next year.
• Brazil has raised the access age for one major platform to 16.

Yet, international agencies take a more nuanced tone. The UN children's agency has advised that age-based restrictions have downsides and "may even have unintended consequences". The agency points out that online platforms can be a "lifeline" for vulnerable youth and that bans should not be a "excuse" for tech companies to invest in user protection.

As this international debate continues, the policies of Australia and others demonstrate that states internationally are no longer willing to delay for tech companies to self-regulate.