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The Australian decisive policy to restrict social platforms access for individuals under sixteen is sending ripples internationally. Politicians, campaigners, and guardians are monitoring closely to see if this tactic will set a precedent for countries abroad.

European Trend

In Europe, a rising chorus of states are moving toward parallel measures.

• Denmark has announced a prohibition on social media for youth below 15, with the leader declaring that smartphones and networks are "stealing our youngsters' youth". A law may be formalized soon.
• The Norwegian government is preparing to introduce a access barrier of 15, pointing to the need to shield the young from the "manipulative force of the AI".
• Ireland is working on a digital ID system to verify the age and identity of social media account holders. Authorities have indicated that an Australian-model ban remains "one of the measures in reserve".
• In Spain, the prime minister has urged parliament to approve a bill lifting the access age for accessing social media to 16.
• In France, the head of state has proposed a ban for those under fifteen, and a government panel has suggested a comparable move, alongside an overnight "digital curfew" for older teenagers.
• The government in The Dutch government has urged families to restrict their children from social media up to the age of 15.

At the EU level, the bloc's legislature has passed a advisory resolution supporting a ban for under-16s except if a parent decides otherwise is granted. Although it cautions of the "addictive" quality of these platforms, the resolution does not enact enforceable legislation.

"A strong age limit is a useful starting point," said one parliamentarian supporting the resolution.

The United Kingdom: A Watchful Eye

In the UK, the administration has remained open to a future ban, arguing that "nothing is being dismissed" but insisting any policy must be "supported by robust evidence".

Last year, interest grew behind a bill to impose restrictions on social media use by minors, but it was eventually weakened. Nonetheless, the government committed to investigate the matter.

Campaign organizations have expressed concerns. An organization founded by the family of a girl who was lost after being exposed to dangerous social media material suggests that a blanket age ban could fail to protect children and could lead to a "dangerous transition" of risk when users reach the legal age.

"The Australian ban is a reaction to the refusal of the social media companies to design platforms and apps that are secure and fit for children," stated a leading online safety campaigner.

The US: A Fragmented Landscape

In the United States, action is largely unfolding at the regional level amid federal inaction.

• The state of Utah demands parental consent for under-18s to use social media and limits nighttime use.
• The state of Florida has signed a measure prohibiting children under fourteen from creating accounts on social media, though it faces legal challenges.
• Virginia has approved a law capping teenagers to a single hour of social media use per day, with extra access requiring a guardian's okay.
• The state of Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have also introduced measures mandating guardian approval for teenagers to create social media accounts.

Even with widespread concern and suggestions from some politicians to follow Australia's example, a federal ban is currently seen as a distant prospect.

Global Perspectives

Beyond these regions, further countries are likewise exploring options.

• Malaysia aims to restrict social media for under-16s effective next year.
• Brazil has increased the minimum age for one major platform to 16.

Yet, global agencies adopt a more nuanced tone. Unicef has warned that blanket prohibitions pose dangers and "could prove counterproductive". The agency highlights that online platforms can be a "vital connection" for marginalized young people and that regulation should not be a "excuse" for platform operators to invest in child safeguards.

While this global discussion evolves, the steps of this nation and others show that policymakers internationally are less and less prepared to stand by for the industry to act voluntarily.