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The Australian bold policy to prohibit social platforms access for individuals under sixteen is sending ripples worldwide. Politicians, campaigners, and guardians are monitoring intently to see if this strategy will become a template for the rest of the world.

European Trend

In Europe, a rising chorus of nations are considering comparable bans.

• Denmark plans a restriction on social media for youth below 15, with the leader stating that mobile devices and networks are "taking away our kids' childhood". The policy is expected to be enacted in the coming year.
• Norway is planning to implement a minimum age limit of 15, citing the need to shield young people from the "power of the AI".
• Ireland is developing a digital wallet to authenticate the age and identity of social media account holders. The media minister have suggested that an Australia-style ban remains "an options in reserve".
• In Spain, the president has called on the legislature to enact a proposal raising the legal age for accessing social media to 16.
• In The French government, the leader has floated the idea of a ban for children below 15, and a parliamentary commission has suggested a comparable step, alongside an overnight "screen time restriction" for older teenagers.
• The government in The Dutch government has recommended guardians to block their kids from social media before 15.

For the broader EU, the EU parliament has passed a symbolic statement calling for a ban for under-16s except if a parent decides otherwise is provided. While it warns of the "addictive" design of these services, the move does not establish binding law.

"An effective age restriction is a good foundation," stated a leading parliamentarian behind the measure.

The UK: A Watchful Eye

Across Britain, the administration has remained open to a potential ban, stating that "no measure is being dismissed" but stressing any decision must be "based on strong research".

Previously, momentum built behind a bill to enact controls on social media use by teenagers, but it was ultimately modified. Instead, the government committed to conduct more studies the matter.

Charities have voiced concerns. An organization set up by the family of a young person who died after being exposed to dangerous online content argues that a blanket age ban might not protect children and could lead to a "sudden drop-off" of harm when users turn 16.

"Australia's ban is a response to the refusal of the Silicon Valley to build tools that are safe and fit for young users," stated a prominent peer.

America: A Fragmented Approach

In the United States, regulation is mostly unfolding at the state government level against a backdrop of national stalemate.

• Utah requires adult approval for those under 18 to use social media and controls late-night use.
• Florida has passed a bill barring those below 14 from accessing social media, though it is subject to court battles.
• The state of Virginia has approved a law capping teenagers to 60 minutes of social media access per day, with extra time requiring a guardian's okay.
• The state of Georgia, Tennessee, and The state of Louisiana have similarly introduced laws mandating guardian approval for teenagers to set up social media presences.

Even with widespread concern and proposals from certain figures to follow the Australian example, a US-wide ban is presently seen as unlikely.

International Outlook

Outside of Europe and the US, further nations are likewise exploring options.

• Malaysia plans to restrict social media for under-16s starting from next year.
• The Brazilian authorities has increased the minimum age for one major platform to 16.

But, world agencies adopt a more cautious tone. The UN children's agency has warned that age-based restrictions pose dangers and "could backfire". The agency highlights that social networks can be a "lifeline" for vulnerable youth and that regulation should not be a "excuse" for tech companies to improve safety.

Even as this global debate continues, the policies of the Australian government and its followers demonstrate that policymakers internationally are increasingly content to wait for tech companies to self-regulate.