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The Australian decisive move to restrict social platforms access for those under 16 is sending ripples internationally. Politicians, child protection groups, and parents are watching closely to see if this tactic will become a template for other nations.

Across Europe Momentum

Across Europe, a growing number of countries are moving toward parallel measures.

• Denmark has announced a restriction on social media for youth below 15, with the leader stating that smartphones and apps are "robbing our youngsters' innocence". The policy may be passed soon.
• Norway is planning to introduce a access barrier of 15, highlighting the need to safeguard children from the "power of the algorithms".
• Ireland is introducing a digital ID system to verify the age and identity of social media account holders. The media minister have stated that an similar ban could be "one of the options under consideration".
• In Spain, the president has asked lawmakers to pass a law raising the minimum age for accessing social media to 16.
• In France, the president has threatened a ban for those under fifteen, and a government panel has suggested a comparable action, alongside an overnight "screen time restriction" for 15- to 18-year-olds.
• The government in The Dutch government has advised parents to prevent their kids from social media up to the age of 15.

At the EU level, the bloc's legislature has passed a advisory statement supporting a ban for minors without parental consent is given. While it cautions of the "habit-forming" design of these apps, the step does not create binding law.

"A strong age barrier is a useful first step," said one MEP supporting the measure.

The UK: A Watchful Approach

Across Britain, the government has remained open to a future ban, emphasizing that "no measure is discarded" but stressing any policy must be "based on strong evidence".

Last year, interest grew behind a bill to introduce controls on social media use by teenagers, but it was eventually modified. Nonetheless, the administration committed to further research the issue.

Advocacy groups have voiced warnings. An organization set up by the relatives of a girl who took her own life after viewing dangerous social media material contends that a simple age ban might not protect children and could lead to a "dangerous transition" of exposure when users become eligible.

"This ban is a reaction to the refusal of the tech sector to design platforms and apps that are safe and fit for children," stated a influential online safety campaigner.

The United States: A Fragmented Landscape

Across America, regulation is primarily unfolding at the regional level due to country-wide inaction.

• The state of Utah mandates adult approval for minors to use social media and limits nighttime use.
• Florida has enacted a measure prohibiting children under fourteen from accessing social media, though it is subject to legal challenges.
• The state of Virginia has approved a rule capping under-16s to a single hour of social media time per day, with any further access requiring a guardian's okay.
• Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and Louisiana have similarly introduced laws requiring guardian approval for under-16s to open social media presences.

Even with widespread concern and proposals from various politicians to mimic Australia's example, a US-wide ban is currently seen as unlikely.

Global Perspectives

Outside of Europe and the US, further states are also exploring options.

• The Malaysian government plans to prohibit social media for those under sixteen effective next year.
• The Brazilian authorities has increased the minimum age for one major platform to 16.

But, global agencies strike a more nuanced tone. A major UN agency has warned that blanket prohibitions have downsides and "might backfire". The body notes that online platforms can be a "critical link" for vulnerable young people and that bans should not be a "substitute" for social media firms to invest in child safeguards.

While this international debate unfolds, the actions of the Australian government and its followers indicate that policymakers internationally are increasingly prepared to delay for the industry to act voluntarily.