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Australia's bold move to prohibit social platforms access for individuals under sixteen is sending ripples worldwide. Lawmakers, campaigners, and guardians are monitoring intently to see if this strategy will set a precedent for the rest of the world.

The European Momentum

Across Europe, a growing chorus of nations are considering parallel restrictions.

• Denmark has announced a restriction on social media for children under fifteen, with the prime minister arguing that smartphones and apps are "taking away our youngsters' childhood". The policy could be passed soon.
• The Norwegian government is set to enforce a access barrier of 15, pointing to the need to protect the young from the "power of the AI".
• Ireland is working on a digital wallet to authenticate the user details of social media participants. Authorities have indicated that an Australian-model ban is "a potential measures on the table".
• In Spain, the prime minister has called on lawmakers to approve a bill lifting the access age for using social media to 16.
• In France, the president has floated the idea of a ban for children below 15, and a legislative committee has suggested a similar step, alongside an overnight "digital curfew" for 15- to 18-year-olds.
• The authorities in The Dutch government has urged families to block their children from social media up to the age of 15.

At the EU level, the European parliament has adopted a non-binding resolution supporting a ban for teenagers under 16 except if a parent decides otherwise is granted. Although it highlights of the "addictive" quality of these services, the resolution does not enact binding law.

"An effective age limit is a solid starting point," commented the MEP behind the measure.

Britain: A Watchful Approach

Across Britain, the leadership has not ruled out a potential ban, emphasizing that "no option is off the table" but stressing any policy must be "grounded in robust data".

Previously, interest gathered behind a proposal to introduce limits on social media use by minors, but it was ultimately modified. However, the government vowed to conduct more studies the issue.

Campaign organizations have voiced concerns. An organization set up by the relatives of a girl who was lost after viewing dangerous online content argues that a blanket age ban might not improve online safety and could result in a "cliff edge" of harm when young people become eligible.

"This ban is a answer to the refusal of the tech sector to create products and services that are appropriate and age appropriate for children," stated a prominent peer.

The US: A State-by-State Picture

Across America, legislation is primarily occurring at the local level against a backdrop of country-wide inaction.

• The state of Utah requires adult approval for those under 18 to use social media and limits overnight use.
• Florida has enacted a bill banning under-14s from joining social media, though it faces constitutional disputes.
• The state of Virginia has approved a law restricting under-16s to 60 minutes of social media time per day, with any further access needing a guardian's okay.
• Georgia, Tennessee, and The state of Louisiana have likewise enacted bills requiring guardian approval for minors to set up social media profiles.

Even with cross-party agreement and calls from certain figures to mimic Australia's path, a nationwide ban is currently seen as unlikely.

International Outlook

Apart from these regions, additional countries are similarly considering moves.

• The Malaysian government intends to restrict social media for teenagers starting from next year.
• Brazil has increased the required age for the platform Instagram to 16.

However, world agencies strike a more cautious position. A major UN agency has cautioned that social media bans have downsides and "could prove counterproductive". The body highlights that online platforms can be a "critical link" for marginalized young people and that government action should not be a "excuse" for tech companies to prioritize user protection.

As this international conversation continues, the policies of Australia and several other countries demonstrate that policymakers internationally are less and less prepared to delay for tech companies to act voluntarily.