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Australia's bold action to restrict social platforms access for individuals under sixteen is sending ripples internationally. Lawmakers, campaigners, and guardians are observing intently to see if this strategy will inspire imitation for countries abroad.

Across Europe Movement

Throughout Europe, a increasing number of states are moving toward parallel measures.

• The Danish government has announced a prohibition on social media for under-15s, with the leader arguing that mobile devices and platforms are "robbing our youngsters' innocence". A law could be passed next year.
• The Norwegian government is preparing to enforce a minimum age limit of 15, highlighting the need to protect the young from the "influence of the algorithms".
• Ireland is working on a digital wallet to confirm the identity and age of social media participants. Officials have suggested that an Australia-style ban could be "one of the tools on the table".
• In Spain, the prime minister has asked parliament to approve a law lifting the legal age for using social media to 16.
• In France, the leader has proposed a ban for under-15s, and a government panel has endorsed a similar step, including an overnight "screen time restriction" for 15- to 18-year-olds.
• The administration in The Dutch government has advised families to prevent their youngsters from social media until 15.

At the EU level, the European parliament has passed a non-binding resolution demanding a ban for minors except if parental consent is granted. Even though it warns of the "habit-forming" design of these services, the resolution does not enact mandatory rules.

"A clear age restriction is a solid first step," commented one MEP driving the measure.

The United Kingdom: A Cautious Eye

In the UK, the government has kept open a possible ban, arguing that "nothing is discarded" but insisting any decision must be "based on strong data".

Last year, momentum built behind a proposal to introduce controls on social media use by minors, but it was eventually watered down. Instead, the government pledged to conduct more studies the matter.

Campaign organizations have voiced concerns. One foundation established by the loved ones of a teenager who took her own life after being exposed to dangerous platform posts suggests that a strict age ban could fail to improve online safety and could result in a "cliff edge" of risk when young people reach the legal age.

"This ban is a answer to the inability of the tech sector to build platforms and apps that are appropriate and suitable for children," stated a influential child protection advocate.

The United States: A State-by-State Approach

In the United States, action is largely unfolding at the regional government level against a backdrop of national gridlock.

• Utah requires adult approval for those under 18 to use social media and limits nighttime use.
• The state of Florida has passed a law barring those below 14 from accessing social media, though it is subject to legal challenges.
• The state of Virginia has approved a regulation capping under-16s to one hour of social media use per day, with extra time requiring adult consent.
• The state of Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and Louisiana have likewise passed laws demanding parental consent for teenagers to set up social media profiles.

Despite cross-party agreement and calls from some politicians to follow Australia's path, a federal ban is currently seen as unlikely.

International Perspectives

Beyond these regions, further countries are likewise taking action.

• Malaysia plans to ban social media for teenagers effective next year.
• Brazil has increased the minimum age for one major platform to 16.

However, international bodies take a more measured stance. The UN children's agency has advised that age-based restrictions carry risks and "could have unintended consequences". The agency points out that online platforms can be a "critical link" for isolated youth and that regulation should not be a "replacement" for platform operators to prioritize safety.

As this global conversation evolves, the policies of this nation and others demonstrate that policymakers globally are no longer content to wait for tech companies to self-regulate.