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The Australian decisive move to restrict social platforms access for those under 16 is sparking debate around the globe. Lawmakers, campaigners, and families are monitoring with great interest to see if this tactic will set a precedent for other nations.

The European Momentum

Throughout Europe, a growing number of nations are considering similar restrictions.

• The Danish government has announced a ban on social media for under-15s, with the PM arguing that smartphones and apps are "taking away our youngsters' youth". The policy could be formalized in the coming year.
• The Norwegian government is set to introduce a age restriction of 15, citing the need to shield young people from the "manipulative force of the AI".
• The Irish government is introducing a digital ID system to authenticate the identity and age of social media users. Officials have indicated that an Australia-style ban remains "one of the measures on the table".
• In Spain, the president has called on lawmakers to enact a bill raising the minimum age for using social media to 16.
• In The French government, the president has proposed a ban for children below 15, and a government panel has endorsed a comparable move, alongside an overnight "digital curfew" for older teenagers.
• The administration in The Netherlands has urged guardians to prevent their children from social media until 15.

For the broader EU, the European parliament has adopted a symbolic resolution supporting a ban for minors without guardian approval is given. While it warns of the "addictive" quality of these apps, the resolution does not enact enforceable legislation.

"A strong age restriction is a useful foundation," commented one European lawmaker driving the resolution.

The United Kingdom: A Watchful Eye

Across Britain, the administration has kept open a future ban, emphasizing that "no measure is being dismissed" but stressing any decision must be "based on conclusive research".

Earlier, interest gathered behind a proposal to enact limits on social media use by minors, but it was ultimately weakened. Nonetheless, the government pledged to investigate the matter.

Advocacy groups have voiced apprehensions. One foundation founded by the relatives of a young person who was lost after encountering dangerous platform posts contends that a blanket age ban could fail to make platforms safer and could lead to a "cliff edge" of risk when users turn 16.

"Australia's ban is a answer to the refusal of the Silicon Valley to create products and services that are safe and age appropriate for minors," stated a prominent child protection advocate.

The United States: A Fragmented Picture

Stateside, regulation is primarily occurring at the regional level due to country-wide stalemate.

• The state of Utah demands guardian permission for under-18s to use social media and limits nighttime use.
• The state of Florida has enacted a measure prohibiting those below 14 from creating accounts on social media, though it is subject to constitutional disputes.
• Virginia has enacted a regulation restricting teenagers to one hour of social media access per day, with any further time needing adult consent.
• Georgia, Tennessee, and The state of Louisiana have also introduced laws mandating guardian approval for under-16s to open social media presences.

Despite widespread concern and calls from various figures to mimic this lead, a federal ban is presently seen as unlikely.

International Outlook

Beyond Europe and the US, other nations are likewise taking action.

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

However, world agencies strike a more cautious stance. Unicef has warned that social media bans have downsides and "might have unintended consequences". The agency points out that social networks can be a "vital connection" for isolated young people and that bans should not be a "excuse" for tech companies to invest in safety.

As this worldwide conversation evolves, the steps of the Australian government and its followers demonstrate that governments around the world are no longer content to stand by for tech companies to make changes on their own.