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Australia's bold move to restrict social platforms access for those under 16 is sparking debate around the globe. Politicians, campaigners, and guardians are watching intently to see if this tactic will set a precedent for countries abroad.

The European Movement

Across Europe, a rising chorus of countries are moving toward parallel bans.

• The Danish government plans a prohibition on social media for youth below 15, with the PM declaring that mobile devices and apps are "stealing our children's innocence". The policy could be formalized soon.
• The Norwegian government is preparing to introduce a age restriction of 15, pointing to the need to protect young people from the "influence of the recommendation systems".
• Ireland is developing a digital wallet to confirm the identity and age of social media participants. The media minister have suggested that an Australian-model ban remains "one of the measures under consideration".
• In Spain, the prime minister has called on the legislature to approve a law increasing the legal age for using social media to 16.
• In The French government, the president has floated the idea of a ban for under-15s, and a parliamentary commission has endorsed a related move, including an overnight "screen time restriction" for adolescents.
• The administration in The Netherlands has urged guardians to restrict their youngsters from social media until 15.

At the EU level, the European parliament has approved a symbolic resolution supporting a ban for minors except if guardian approval is granted. While it cautions of the "compulsive" nature of these services, the move does not create binding law.

"A clear age barrier is a solid first step," stated a leading European lawmaker supporting the resolution.

The United Kingdom: A Watchful Approach

For the United Kingdom, the government has remained open to a potential ban, emphasizing that "no option is being dismissed" but insisting any action must be "supported by robust data".

Previously, momentum grew behind a bill to introduce limits on social media use by teenagers, but it was eventually weakened. However, the government pledged to further research the topic.

Charities have expressed concerns. One foundation set up by the loved ones of a teenager who took her own life after viewing disturbing online content argues that a blanket age ban may not make platforms safer and could lead to a "cliff edge" of exposure when users reach the legal age.

"The Australian ban is a response to the refusal of the social media companies to design products and services that are safe and age appropriate for young users," commented a influential peer.

America: A State-by-State Picture

Across America, legislation is primarily unfolding at the state level amid national stalemate.

• Utah mandates parental consent for minors to use social media and restricts late-night use.
• Florida has enacted a bill banning children under fourteen from joining social media, though it is subject to court battles.
• Virginia has enacted a regulation restricting under-16s to 60 minutes of social media access per day, with any further access dependent on parental permission.
• The state of Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have likewise introduced measures demanding adult authorization for minors to set up social media accounts.

Despite cross-party agreement and proposals from various figures to copy this path, a US-wide ban is presently seen as unlikely.

International Perspectives

Outside of these regions, additional countries are likewise exploring options.

• Malaysia aims to prohibit social media for under-16s starting from next year.
• Brazil has increased the access age for one major platform to 16.

But, global organizations strike a more measured position. Unicef has warned that social media bans have downsides and "might prove counterproductive". The agency highlights that online platforms can be a "vital connection" for marginalized young people and that bans should not be a "excuse" for platform operators to improve child safeguards.

Even as this global discussion unfolds, the actions of Australia and others demonstrate that governments around the world are no longer prepared to stand by for the industry to act voluntarily.