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The Australian controversial action to ban social platforms access for individuals under sixteen is sending ripples around the globe. Officials, campaigners, and parents are watching intently to see if this strategy will set a precedent for countries abroad.

European Trend

Throughout Europe, a increasing chorus of countries are considering similar restrictions.

• Denmark has announced a prohibition on social media for under-15s, with the prime minister stating that smartphones and networks are "taking away our kids' childhood". Legislation could be formalized soon.
• Norway is preparing to introduce a access barrier of 15, highlighting the need to safeguard children from the "power of the algorithms".
• The Irish government is working on a digital ID system to verify the identity and age of social media users. Officials have suggested that an Australia-style ban could be "a potential options in reserve".
• In Spain, the prime minister has called on the legislature to approve a proposal lifting the minimum age for joining social media to 16.
• In The French government, the president has proposed a ban for under-15s, and a government panel has suggested a comparable move, potentially involving an overnight "screen time restriction" for older teenagers.
• The administration in The Dutch government has advised parents to block their youngsters from social media until 15.

At the EU level, the EU parliament has passed a advisory motion demanding a ban for under-16s unless parental consent is given. Although it cautions of the "compulsive" quality of these platforms, the resolution does not create enforceable legislation.

"A clear age limit is a useful starting point," stated a leading European lawmaker supporting the measure.

Britain: An Evidence-Based Eye

For the United Kingdom, the administration has not ruled out a possible ban, arguing that "nothing is being dismissed" but insisting any action must be "supported by strong data".

Previously, support grew behind a proposal to impose restrictions on social media use by minors, but it was in the end modified. However, the government pledged to conduct more studies the topic.

Advocacy groups have voiced concerns. An organization established by the family of a girl who died after encountering harmful platform posts argues that a blanket age ban might not protect children and could lead to a "sudden drop-off" of risk when young people reach the legal age.

"This ban is a response to the inability of the social media companies to design platforms and apps that are safe and fit for minors," stated a leading online safety campaigner.

The US: A Fragmented Approach

Stateside, regulation is largely unfolding at the regional level against a backdrop of national gridlock.

• The state of Utah mandates guardian permission for those under 18 to use social media and controls overnight use.
• Florida has enacted a bill barring under-14s from joining social media, though it is entangled in legal challenges.
• Virginia has passed a regulation capping minors to one hour of social media time per day, with any further use needing adult consent.
• Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and The state of Louisiana have similarly introduced bills demanding adult authorization for teenagers to open social media accounts.

Despite cross-party agreement and calls from certain individuals to copy the Australian path, a nationwide ban is right now seen as unlikely.

Global Views

Outside of these regions, further states are likewise taking action.

• Malaysia aims to prohibit social media for teenagers starting from next year.
• Brazil has lifted the minimum age for Instagram to 16.

Yet, global bodies take a more cautious position. Unicef has advised that age-based restrictions have downsides and "may even backfire". The organization highlights that the internet can be a "vital connection" for marginalized young people and that bans should not be a "replacement" for platform operators to prioritize child safeguards.

While this global debate continues, the actions of Australia and several other countries demonstrate that policymakers internationally are no longer willing to wait for the industry to make changes on their own.