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The Australian bold move to restrict social platforms access for young people below 16 is sending ripples around the globe. Officials, campaigners, and families are monitoring intently to see if this tactic will set a precedent for other nations.

The European Trend

In Europe, a rising group of nations are exploring parallel measures.

• Denmark has announced a restriction on social media for under-15s, with the prime minister stating that phones and apps are "robbing our kids' youth". Legislation could be passed next year.
• Norway is set to implement a access barrier of 15, pointing to the need to protect young people from the "influence of the algorithms".
• Ireland is introducing a digital ID system to authenticate the age and identity of social media users. The media minister have indicated that an Australia-style ban is "one of the options on the table".
• In Spain, the prime minister has called on the legislature to enact a law raising the access age for using social media to 16.
• In The French government, the president has threatened a ban for under-15s, and a parliamentary commission has endorsed a similar move, including an overnight "screen time restriction" for older teenagers.
• The government in The Netherlands has recommended guardians to block their kids from social media up to the age of 15.

Across the European Union, the European parliament has approved a symbolic motion calling for a ban for under-16s unless guardian approval is given. Although it cautions of the "habit-forming" quality of these platforms, the resolution does not create mandatory rules.

"A clear age limit is a good first step," stated the MEP supporting the measure.

Britain: A Cautious Stance

Across Britain, the leadership has kept open a potential ban, emphasizing that "no option is discarded" but stressing any action must be "supported by robust data".

Last year, interest gathered behind a bill to impose restrictions on social media use by teenagers, but it was eventually weakened. Instead, the government committed to investigate the issue.

Charities have voiced concerns. One foundation established by the family of a young person who was lost after being exposed to disturbing platform posts argues that a simple age ban may not protect children and could result in a "dangerous transition" of risk when users reach the legal age.

"The Australian ban is a answer to the inability of the tech sector to create tools that are secure and suitable for young users," said a leading online safety campaigner.

The United States: A State-by-State Approach

In the United States, action is primarily happening at the regional government level amid country-wide gridlock.

• Utah demands adult approval for those under 18 to use social media and controls overnight use.
• Florida has passed a measure prohibiting children under fourteen from accessing social media, though it is entangled in legal challenges.
• Virginia has passed a law limiting minors to one hour of social media use per day, with extra access needing adult consent.
• The state of Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and Louisiana have similarly enacted measures mandating guardian approval for teenagers to create social media accounts.

Despite cross-party agreement and suggestions from some politicians to copy the Australian path, a US-wide ban is right now seen as improbable.

Global Perspectives

Outside of the West, additional nations are likewise exploring options.

• The Malaysian government intends to prohibit social media for teenagers effective next year.
• Brazil has increased the required age for the platform Instagram to 16.

But, global organizations adopt a more nuanced tone. The UN children's agency has cautioned that age-based restrictions pose dangers and "could backfire". The body points out that the internet can be a "vital connection" for isolated young people and that bans should not be a "substitute" for tech companies to improve user protection.

As this international discussion evolves, the actions of Australia and several other countries show that governments globally are increasingly prepared to delay for the industry to self-regulate.