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Australia's controversial policy to restrict social platforms access for those under 16 is sending ripples worldwide. Lawmakers, campaigners, and families are watching closely to see if this approach will set a precedent for other nations.

The European Movement

Across Europe, a increasing chorus of states are moving toward similar measures.

• The Danish government has announced a prohibition on social media for youth below 15, with the PM stating that phones and apps are "taking away our kids' youth". The policy could be formalized soon.
• The Norwegian government is preparing to enforce a minimum age limit of 15, citing the need to safeguard young people from the "power of the algorithms".
• Ireland is introducing a digital wallet to authenticate the identity and age of social media participants. Authorities have indicated that an Australia-style ban remains "an options in reserve".
• In Spain, the leader has asked parliament to enact a bill raising the legal age for joining social media to 16.
• In France, the president has proposed a ban for under-15s, and a legislative committee has suggested a similar step, including an overnight "screen time restriction" for adolescents.
• The administration in The Netherlands has advised families to restrict their youngsters from social media up to the age of 15.

For the broader EU, the bloc's legislature has passed a advisory statement calling for a ban for minors except if a parent decides otherwise is provided. While it highlights of the "habit-forming" nature of these platforms, the move does not establish mandatory rules.

"An effective age limit is a solid foundation," commented a leading MEP driving the resolution.

Britain: An Evidence-Based Eye

In the UK, the administration has kept open a possible ban, stating that "no measure is discarded" but maintaining any policy must be "supported by strong evidence".

Earlier, momentum grew behind a bill to enact restrictions on social media use by teenagers, but it was ultimately modified. Nonetheless, the government committed to conduct more studies the topic.

Charities have expressed warnings. A prominent charity established by the family of a girl who was lost after being exposed to disturbing online content argues that a strict age ban may not make platforms safer and could lead to a "sudden drop-off" of exposure when young people turn 16.

"Australia's ban is a reaction to the failure of the social media companies to build products and services that are appropriate and suitable for young users," commented a influential online safety campaigner.

The US: A State-by-State Landscape

Across America, action is primarily unfolding at the state level against a backdrop of federal stalemate.

• Utah demands parental consent for those under 18 to use social media and controls nighttime use.
• Florida has passed a bill barring children under fourteen from joining social media, though it is entangled in constitutional disputes.
• Virginia has approved a regulation restricting under-16s to 60 minutes of social media access per day, with any further access requiring a guardian's okay.
• Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and Louisiana have similarly enacted measures demanding guardian approval for teenagers to set up social media presences.

Even with cross-party agreement and suggestions from some individuals to mimic this example, a nationwide ban is presently seen as improbable.

Worldwide Perspectives

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

• Malaysia plans to restrict social media for under-16s effective next year.
• The Brazilian authorities has lifted the required age for one major platform to 16.

But, international agencies strike a more nuanced position. A major UN agency has advised that blanket prohibitions carry risks and "could have unintended consequences". The agency highlights that online platforms can be a "critical link" for marginalized children and that regulation should not be a "excuse" for tech companies to invest in user protection.

While this international conversation evolves, the actions of the Australian government and its followers demonstrate that states internationally are no longer willing to wait for the industry to self-regulate.