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Australia's decisive action to restrict social platforms access for individuals under sixteen is sending ripples internationally. Lawmakers, safety advocates, and guardians are watching intently to see if this approach will set a precedent for countries abroad.

Across Europe Movement

Throughout Europe, a increasing chorus of states are considering similar restrictions.

• The Danish government has stated a restriction on social media for children under fifteen, with the prime minister stating that smartphones and apps are "robbing our kids' innocence". Legislation is expected to be formalized soon.
• The Norwegian government is set to introduce a age restriction of 15, pointing to the need to shield young people from the "influence of the algorithms".
• Ireland is introducing a digital ID system to verify the identity and age of social media participants. Officials have indicated that an Australian-model ban is "a potential tools under consideration".
• In Spain, the president has called on parliament to approve a law raising the access age for using social media to 16.
• In France, the head of state has floated the idea of a ban for under-15s, and a parliamentary commission has endorsed a related step, alongside an overnight "screen time restriction" for 15- to 18-year-olds.
• The administration in The Netherlands has advised parents to restrict their kids from social media before 15.

For the broader EU, the EU parliament has passed a non-binding motion calling for a ban for teenagers under 16 unless a parent decides otherwise is provided. Although it cautions of the "compulsive" quality of these platforms, the move does not establish binding law.

"A strong age restriction is a good first step," said one MEP behind the initiative.

Britain: An Evidence-Based Approach

For the United Kingdom, the administration has remained open to a future ban, stating that "nothing is off the table" but insisting any policy must be "based on conclusive research".

Last year, support grew behind a legislative effort to enact restrictions on social media use by teenagers, but it was eventually modified. Nonetheless, the government committed to investigate the topic.

Charities have expressed concerns. A prominent charity set up by the family of a girl who took her own life after encountering harmful online content suggests that a strict age ban could fail to improve online safety and could lead to a "cliff edge" of risk when young people turn 16.

"This ban is a answer to the failure of the social media companies to create platforms and apps that are appropriate and age appropriate for children," stated a leading child protection advocate.

America: A Decentralized Approach

Across America, action is mostly unfolding at the regional level due to federal inaction.

• Utah mandates parental consent for those under 18 to use social media and restricts nighttime use.
• Florida has signed a law barring children under fourteen from creating accounts on social media, though it faces legal challenges.
• The state of Virginia has passed a regulation limiting minors to one hour of social media time per day, with any further time needing adult consent.
• The state of Georgia, Tennessee, and The state of Louisiana have also enacted laws requiring guardian approval for teenagers to open social media profiles.

Even with widespread concern and suggestions from various figures to mimic Australia's example, a nationwide ban is right now seen as a distant prospect.

Worldwide Outlook

Outside of Europe and the US, other states are likewise considering moves.

• The Malaysian government aims to ban social media for those under sixteen effective next year.
• Brazil has increased the minimum age for the platform Instagram to 16.

But, world organizations take a more measured position. A major UN agency has warned that blanket prohibitions carry risks and "could have unintended consequences". The organization notes that the internet can be a "lifeline" for isolated children and that government action should not be a "replacement" for tech companies to invest in safety.

Even as this global debate evolves, the steps of Australia and its followers demonstrate that governments globally are less and less willing to stand by for tech companies to make changes on their own.