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The Australian decisive action to restrict social platforms access for young people below 16 is sending ripples around the globe. Politicians, safety advocates, and parents are watching intently to see if this tactic will set a precedent for countries abroad.

European Movement

Across Europe, a growing chorus of states are moving toward similar measures.

• The Danish government has stated a restriction on social media for youth below 15, with the leader declaring that phones and apps are "stealing our youngsters' youth". A law is expected to be enacted in the coming year.
• The Norwegian government is preparing to enforce a minimum age limit of 15, highlighting the need to shield young people from the "manipulative force of the recommendation systems".
• Ireland is working on a digital ID system to verify the user details of social media account holders. Officials have suggested that an Australia-style ban is "one of the measures in reserve".
• In Spain, the prime minister has asked lawmakers to approve a proposal lifting the access age for joining social media to 16.
• In France, the head of state has floated the idea of a ban for under-15s, and a government panel has suggested a related action, alongside an overnight "screen time restriction" for older teenagers.
• The government in the Netherlands has urged parents to restrict their youngsters from social media until 15.

At the EU level, the European parliament has approved a non-binding resolution supporting a ban for minors unless guardian approval is provided. While it cautions of the "compulsive" design of these services, the step does not enact enforceable legislation.

"A clear age limit is a solid starting point," stated a leading parliamentarian behind the resolution.

The UK: A Cautious Approach

Across Britain, the administration has kept open a potential ban, stating that "no option is off the table" but maintaining any action must be "grounded in strong data".

Last year, interest grew behind a legislative effort to enact controls on social media use by minors, but it was ultimately weakened. However, the administration vowed to investigate the matter.

Campaign organizations have expressed apprehensions. An organization founded by the relatives of a teenager who was lost after being exposed to disturbing social media material contends that a simple age ban could fail to make platforms safer and could create a "cliff edge" of risk when teens become eligible.

"This ban is a response to the failure of the tech sector to design tools that are appropriate and fit for young users," said a leading child protection advocate.

The United States: A Decentralized Picture

Across America, regulation is mostly unfolding at the state government level against a backdrop of national gridlock.

• The state of Utah mandates parental consent for minors to use social media and restricts nighttime use.
• The state of Florida has enacted a law barring children under fourteen from joining social media, though it is entangled in constitutional disputes.
• Virginia has enacted a regulation limiting under-16s to 60 minutes of social media access per day, with extra access needing a guardian's okay.
• The state of Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have likewise passed bills mandating parental consent for minors to open social media presences.

Even with bipartisan support and calls from certain politicians to copy this path, a federal ban is presently seen as a distant prospect.

Global Views

Outside of Europe and the US, other countries are likewise considering moves.

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

However, world agencies strike a more measured stance. Unicef has warned that social media bans pose dangers and "might have unintended consequences". The agency highlights that the internet can be a "lifeline" for isolated children and that regulation should not be a "excuse" for tech companies to prioritize safety.

While this worldwide debate evolves, the steps of the Australian government and its followers indicate that states globally are less and less prepared to wait for the industry to self-regulate.