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The Australian controversial action to ban social platforms access for individuals under sixteen is sending ripples worldwide. Officials, campaigners, and parents are watching with great interest to see if this tactic will set a precedent for other nations.

European Momentum

Across Europe, a growing group of countries are considering parallel restrictions.

• Denmark has stated a restriction on social media for children under fifteen, with the prime minister declaring that smartphones and apps are "taking away our kids' youth". The policy could be enacted in the coming year.
• Norway is planning to enforce a minimum age limit of 15, pointing to the need to safeguard the young from the "influence of the AI".
• Ireland is working on a digital wallet to confirm the user details of social media account holders. The media minister have stated that an Australia-style ban remains "a potential measures under consideration".
• In Spain, the leader has called on parliament to approve a proposal raising the access age for joining social media to 16.
• In France, the president has threatened a ban for those under fifteen, and a legislative committee has suggested a related step, alongside an overnight "digital curfew" for adolescents.
• The administration in The Netherlands has advised guardians to restrict their youngsters from social media until 15.

For the broader EU, the EU parliament has adopted a non-binding motion demanding a ban for under-16s except if a parent decides otherwise is provided. Even though it warns of the "compulsive" nature of these services, the resolution does not establish enforceable legislation.

"A clear age barrier is a useful foundation," stated one European lawmaker supporting the initiative.

Britain: An Evidence-Based Approach

In the UK, the government has remained open to a potential ban, stating that "nothing is discarded" but maintaining any decision must be "grounded in strong data".

Last year, support built behind a legislative effort to introduce restrictions on social media use by minors, but it was in the end modified. However, the administration vowed to further research the topic.

Advocacy groups have voiced apprehensions. One foundation set up by the loved ones of a girl who died after encountering dangerous online content contends that a blanket age ban might not improve online safety and could result in a "dangerous transition" of risk when users turn 16.

"Australia's ban is a response to the inability of the social media companies to build tools that are secure and fit for young users," stated a leading online safety campaigner.

The United States: A Decentralized Picture

Across America, action is mostly occurring at the regional government level against a backdrop of country-wide gridlock.

• Utah mandates adult approval for those under 18 to use social media and restricts overnight use.
• Florida has enacted a measure banning under-14s from creating accounts on social media, though it is entangled in constitutional disputes.
• Virginia has approved a rule capping under-16s to a single hour of social media access per day, with any further access requiring parental permission.
• Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and Louisiana have also enacted bills demanding guardian approval for under-16s to set up social media accounts.

Even with cross-party agreement and proposals from various individuals to follow Australia's lead, a nationwide ban is right now seen as a distant prospect.

Global Perspectives

Outside of Europe and the US, further nations are also considering moves.

• The Malaysian government plans to restrict social media for teenagers effective next year.
• Brazil has lifted the access age for the platform Instagram to 16.

However, world agencies take a more cautious tone. The UN children's agency has warned that age-based restrictions have downsides and "might backfire". The agency highlights that online platforms can be a "critical link" for marginalized youth and that government action should not be a "replacement" for tech companies to prioritize user protection.

While this worldwide discussion unfolds, the steps of Australia and others indicate that policymakers around the world are no longer willing to stand by for the industry to act voluntarily.