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Australia's bold move to prohibit social platforms access for young people below 16 is sending ripples internationally. Lawmakers, safety advocates, and guardians are watching with great interest to see if this approach will set a precedent for the rest of the world.

Across Europe Momentum

In Europe, a rising group of nations are considering comparable restrictions.

• Denmark has stated a prohibition on social media for children under fifteen, with the PM stating that phones and networks are "stealing our kids' childhood". A law could be formalized next year.
• Norway is planning to introduce a access barrier of 15, citing the need to safeguard children from the "manipulative force of the algorithms".
• Ireland is developing a digital ID system to verify the age and identity of social media participants. The media minister have stated that an Australian-model ban remains "an tools under consideration".
• In Spain, the prime minister has urged parliament to enact a bill raising the legal age for using social media to 16.
• In The French government, the head of state has threatened a ban for those under fifteen, and a government panel has endorsed a comparable action, alongside an overnight "screen time restriction" for adolescents.
• The administration in The Dutch government has advised guardians to prevent their kids from social media until 15.

At the EU level, the European parliament has passed a non-binding statement calling for a ban for minors unless parental consent is provided. While it cautions of the "habit-forming" nature of these apps, the resolution does not enact enforceable legislation.

"A clear age barrier is a solid starting point," commented a leading parliamentarian behind the measure.

Britain: A Cautious Stance

For the United Kingdom, the leadership has kept open a future ban, emphasizing that "no measure is being dismissed" but stressing any decision must be "supported by conclusive evidence".

Previously, interest built behind a bill to impose restrictions on social media use by minors, but it was ultimately watered down. Nonetheless, the administration vowed to investigate the issue.

Advocacy groups have expressed concerns. A prominent charity set up by the family of a young person who took her own life after viewing disturbing platform posts suggests that a simple age ban could fail to make platforms safer and could create a "sudden drop-off" of harm when teens become eligible.

"Australia's ban is a reaction to the failure of the Silicon Valley to build platforms and apps that are secure and suitable for minors," commented a prominent child protection advocate.

America: A Decentralized Approach

Stateside, legislation is mostly occurring at the state level amid country-wide stalemate.

• Utah mandates adult approval for under-18s to use social media and controls late-night use.
• Florida has signed a law barring children under fourteen from joining social media, though it faces court battles.
• Virginia has approved a rule restricting teenagers to a single hour of social media time per day, with any further use needing a guardian's okay.
• Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and Louisiana have likewise passed bills demanding adult authorization for minors to set up social media accounts.

Even with widespread concern and suggestions from some individuals to mimic the Australian example, a US-wide ban is right now seen as unlikely.

Global Views

Beyond the West, further countries are likewise considering moves.

• Malaysia aims to ban social media for teenagers beginning next year.
• Brazil has increased the minimum age for the platform Instagram to 16.

Yet, world bodies adopt a more cautious position. The UN children's agency has warned that blanket prohibitions carry risks and "could prove counterproductive". The body notes that the internet can be a "vital connection" for isolated youth and that government action should not be a "excuse" for tech companies to improve child safeguards.

While this global conversation unfolds, the policies of Australia and several other countries indicate that governments globally are less and less prepared to wait for platforms to act voluntarily.