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Australia's controversial policy to restrict social platforms access for young people below 16 is creating waves around the globe. Politicians, safety advocates, and guardians are monitoring intently to see if this approach will set a precedent for other nations.

The European Movement

Across Europe, a growing group of countries are exploring comparable measures.

• The Danish government has stated a ban on social media for youth below 15, with the prime minister declaring that smartphones and networks are "taking away our kids' innocence". The policy could be passed next year.
• Norway is preparing to introduce a minimum age limit of 15, pointing to the need to protect young people from the "power of the AI".
• The Irish government is developing a digital wallet to confirm the user details of social media account holders. Officials have stated that an Australian-model ban is "a potential tools in reserve".
• In Spain, the leader has called on the legislature to pass a law raising the minimum age for joining social media to 16.
• In France, the president has threatened a ban for those under fifteen, and a government panel has suggested a similar move, including an overnight "internet blackout" for older teenagers.
• The authorities in The Dutch government has recommended parents to block their youngsters from social media up to the age of 15.

At the EU level, the bloc's legislature has approved a advisory statement demanding a ban for teenagers under 16 except if parental consent is granted. While it warns of the "habit-forming" quality of these platforms, the resolution does not create enforceable legislation.

"A clear age barrier is a good foundation," stated one parliamentarian behind the measure.

Britain: A Cautious Eye

In the UK, the government has remained open to a possible ban, arguing that "nothing is off the table" but stressing any policy must be "based on strong evidence".

Earlier, momentum built behind a legislative effort to introduce restrictions on social media use by minors, but it was ultimately modified. Nonetheless, the administration pledged to conduct more studies the topic.

Charities have voiced warnings. One foundation set up by the family of a girl who died after viewing disturbing online content suggests that a strict age ban could fail to protect children and could lead to a "cliff edge" of exposure when users become eligible.

"Australia's ban is a answer to the failure of the Silicon Valley to build tools that are appropriate and age appropriate for young users," commented a leading online safety campaigner.

America: A Decentralized Picture

Stateside, regulation is largely happening at the regional level amid country-wide inaction.

• Utah mandates guardian permission for under-18s to use social media and controls late-night use.
• Florida has passed a law banning children under fourteen from accessing social media, though it is entangled in legal challenges.
• Virginia has approved a law limiting teenagers to one hour of social media access per day, with extra use needing adult consent.
• Georgia, Tennessee, and The state of Louisiana have similarly introduced laws demanding adult authorization for teenagers to set up social media accounts.

Even with bipartisan support and proposals from some individuals to mimic this example, a federal ban is presently seen as improbable.

International Perspectives

Beyond Europe and the US, additional nations are likewise considering moves.

• Malaysia aims to prohibit social media for those under sixteen beginning next year.
• Brazil has raised the access age for one major platform to 16.

But, global organizations strike a more cautious stance. A major UN agency has advised that blanket prohibitions carry risks and "might backfire". The body notes that online platforms can be a "critical link" for marginalized young people and that government action should not be a "excuse" for social media firms to improve user protection.

While this global discussion continues, the actions of Australia and others demonstrate that states globally are no longer content to delay for platforms to make changes on their own.