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The Australian bold action to ban social platforms access for individuals under sixteen is creating waves worldwide. Officials, safety advocates, and families are watching intently to see if this tactic will inspire imitation for the rest of the world.

European Trend

Throughout Europe, a rising chorus of states are considering parallel restrictions.

• The Danish government has announced a ban on social media for under-15s, with the PM arguing that smartphones and networks are "taking away our youngsters' childhood". The policy is expected to be passed in the coming year.
• The Norwegian government is set to enforce a access barrier of 15, pointing to the need to shield children from the "influence of the AI".
• The Irish government is developing a digital ID system to verify the identity and age of social media users. Authorities have suggested that an Australia-style ban could be "a potential measures under consideration".
• In Spain, the leader has called on parliament to enact a proposal increasing the legal age for using social media to 16.
• In France, the leader has floated the idea of a ban for those under fifteen, and a legislative committee has suggested a similar step, including an overnight "internet blackout" for older teenagers.
• The authorities in The Netherlands has recommended guardians to prevent their kids from social media up to the age of 15.

For the broader EU, the European parliament has passed a non-binding resolution calling for a ban for teenagers under 16 except if guardian approval is provided. While it cautions of the "habit-forming" quality of these platforms, the step does not establish binding law.

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

The UK: A Watchful Stance

In the UK, the government has not ruled out a possible ban, stating that "no option is discarded" but stressing any action must be "supported by conclusive evidence".

Earlier, interest grew behind a legislative effort to enact restrictions on social media use by under-16s, but it was in the end modified. Nonetheless, the government pledged to further research the issue.

Campaign organizations have voiced warnings. A prominent charity founded by the family of a teenager who was lost after encountering harmful social media material argues that a simple age ban could fail to improve online safety and could lead to a "dangerous transition" of risk when users turn 16.

"This ban is a response to the inability of the Silicon Valley to build platforms and apps that are safe and age appropriate for children," stated a leading child protection advocate.

America: A Fragmented Landscape

In the United States, regulation is largely unfolding at the state level amid national gridlock.

• Utah requires adult approval for under-18s to use social media and controls nighttime use.
• The state of Florida has signed a law barring those below 14 from accessing social media, though it faces constitutional disputes.
• Virginia has enacted a law capping minors to a single hour of social media use per day, with any further use dependent on parental permission.
• Georgia, Tennessee, and The state of Louisiana have also introduced measures demanding parental consent for teenagers to open social media presences.

Even with bipartisan support and suggestions from certain politicians to mimic Australia's example, a nationwide ban is presently seen as unlikely.

International Perspectives

Apart from Europe and the US, additional countries are likewise exploring options.

• The Malaysian government aims to ban social media for under-16s effective next year.
• Brazil has increased the access age for the platform Instagram to 16.

Yet, global organizations adopt a more measured position. Unicef has advised that social media bans carry risks and "might prove counterproductive". The body notes that online platforms can be a "vital connection" for marginalized children and that regulation should not be a "excuse" for tech companies to prioritize child safeguards.

As this international discussion evolves, the actions of Australia and its followers show that policymakers globally are increasingly content to wait for the industry to make changes on their own.