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Australia's bold policy to restrict social platforms access for individuals under sixteen is sending ripples internationally. Officials, campaigners, and parents are observing intently to see if this strategy will set a precedent for other nations.

European Momentum

Across Europe, a increasing group of nations are considering similar measures.

• Denmark has stated a restriction on social media for children under fifteen, with the PM declaring that mobile devices and platforms are "stealing our youngsters' innocence". A law may be formalized soon.
• Norway is planning to implement a minimum age limit of 15, highlighting the need to shield the young from the "power of the algorithms".
• Ireland is introducing a online verification tool to authenticate the identity and age of social media account holders. Officials have indicated that an Australian-model ban remains "an tools on the table".
• In Spain, the prime minister has called on the legislature to pass a proposal raising the legal age for joining social media to 16.
• In France, the leader has floated the idea of a ban for those under fifteen, and a government panel has endorsed a related step, alongside an overnight "screen time restriction" for older teenagers.
• The government in The Netherlands has recommended guardians to restrict their youngsters from social media until 15.

For the broader EU, the European parliament has passed a advisory resolution calling for a ban for minors without a parent decides otherwise is given. Although it cautions of the "habit-forming" design of these platforms, the step does not create enforceable legislation.

"An effective age limit is a useful starting point," said a leading MEP behind the initiative.

The United Kingdom: A Watchful Eye

Across Britain, the government has kept open a future ban, arguing that "no measure is discarded" but stressing any action must be "supported by strong evidence".

Previously, support built behind a bill to enact limits on social media use by teenagers, but it was ultimately watered down. Instead, the administration pledged to further research the topic.

Charities have raised warnings. One foundation set up by the family of a young person who was lost after encountering dangerous platform posts argues that a blanket age ban could fail to improve online safety and could result in a "dangerous transition" of risk when users turn 16.

"This ban is a reaction to the refusal of the social media companies to design products and services that are appropriate and age appropriate for children," commented a leading online safety campaigner.

America: A Fragmented Picture

Across America, legislation is primarily happening at the local level against a backdrop of federal inaction.

• The state of Utah demands guardian permission for those under 18 to use social media and limits nighttime use.
• Florida has signed a bill banning children under fourteen from accessing social media, though it is entangled in legal challenges.
• The state of Virginia has enacted a law capping teenagers to a single hour of social media access per day, with any further use needing a guardian's okay.
• Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have similarly passed laws requiring parental consent for under-16s to open social media profiles.

Even with widespread concern and proposals from some individuals to copy Australia's lead, a nationwide ban is right now seen as unlikely.

Global Outlook

Beyond these regions, additional nations are also exploring options.

• Malaysia plans to ban social media for teenagers starting from next year.
• Brazil has raised the required age for one major platform to 16.

Yet, world organizations take a more cautious stance. A major UN agency has warned that blanket prohibitions pose dangers and "may even backfire". The body highlights that online platforms can be a "critical link" for marginalized children and that government action should not be a "excuse" for platform operators to invest in child safeguards.

Even as this international conversation continues, the policies of the Australian government and others demonstrate that states globally are less and less willing to delay for the industry to make changes on their own.