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Australia's decisive policy to prohibit social platforms access for individuals under sixteen is sending ripples worldwide. Lawmakers, child protection groups, and families are watching intently to see if this strategy will inspire imitation for countries abroad.

European Momentum

In Europe, a growing chorus of nations are moving toward similar restrictions.

• The Danish government has announced a ban on social media for children under fifteen, with the leader stating that smartphones and platforms are "robbing our youngsters' youth". A law could be passed next year.
• Norway is preparing to introduce a age restriction of 15, highlighting the need to protect young people from the "influence of the AI".
• Ireland is working on a digital ID system to verify the user details of social media users. Officials have suggested that an similar ban could be "an options on the table".
• In Spain, the president has urged lawmakers to enact a proposal raising the legal age for using social media to 16.
• In France, the leader has proposed a ban for those under fifteen, and a legislative committee has endorsed a similar step, alongside an overnight "digital curfew" for older teenagers.
• The authorities in the Netherlands has advised parents to restrict their kids from social media until 15.

At the EU level, the EU parliament has approved a advisory resolution supporting a ban for under-16s without guardian approval is provided. Although it cautions of the "addictive" quality of these apps, the resolution does not establish binding law.

"A strong age restriction is a useful foundation," said the parliamentarian behind the measure.

Britain: A Watchful Eye

Across Britain, the government has kept open a possible ban, emphasizing that "no measure is being dismissed" but stressing any policy must be "supported by robust evidence".

Previously, momentum grew behind a proposal to impose restrictions on social media use by minors, but it was ultimately watered down. Instead, the government vowed to further research the issue.

Charities have expressed apprehensions. An organization established by the relatives of a teenager who was lost after viewing harmful social media material suggests that a simple age ban may not improve online safety and could lead to a "dangerous transition" of harm when users reach the legal age.

"Australia's ban is a reaction to the inability of the tech sector to design tools that are appropriate and fit for children," said a prominent child protection advocate.

America: A Decentralized Landscape

Stateside, action is largely occurring at the state level amid country-wide gridlock.

• The state of Utah demands adult approval for under-18s to use social media and restricts late-night use.
• Florida has passed a bill prohibiting children under fourteen from accessing social media, though it is entangled in constitutional disputes.
• The state of Virginia has passed a rule restricting minors to a single hour of social media access per day, with extra use needing parental permission.
• Georgia, Tennessee, and The state of Louisiana have similarly passed bills demanding guardian approval for minors to open social media profiles.

Even with widespread concern and calls from various individuals to mimic Australia's example, a US-wide ban is right now seen as a distant prospect.

Worldwide Views

Beyond these regions, further states are likewise taking action.

• The Malaysian government aims to prohibit social media for teenagers starting from next year.
• Brazil has increased the access age for the platform Instagram to 16.

But, global bodies take a more nuanced tone. A major UN agency has warned that social media bans pose dangers and "may even prove counterproductive". The organization notes that online platforms can be a "lifeline" for marginalized young people and that government action should not be a "excuse" for platform operators to prioritize safety.

As this international debate continues, the actions of the Australian government and its followers demonstrate that states internationally are less and less prepared to wait for the industry to self-regulate.