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The Australian decisive move to restrict social platforms access for young people below 16 is creating waves internationally. Lawmakers, campaigners, and parents are monitoring closely to see if this strategy will inspire imitation for the rest of the world.

The European Movement

Across Europe, a increasing chorus of states are moving toward similar measures.

• Denmark has announced a ban on social media for youth below 15, with the prime minister declaring that mobile devices and networks are "taking away our kids' youth". The policy is expected to be passed next year.
• The Norwegian government is preparing to implement a minimum age limit of 15, pointing to the need to protect children from the "manipulative force of the algorithms".
• The Irish government is developing a digital wallet to verify the identity and age of social media account holders. Officials have indicated that an similar ban is "an measures on the table".
• In Spain, the leader has asked lawmakers to enact a proposal increasing the access age for joining social media to 16.
• In The French government, the head of state has proposed a ban for those under fifteen, and a parliamentary commission has suggested a related step, alongside an overnight "digital curfew" for older teenagers.
• The authorities in The Netherlands has recommended parents to block their children from social media until 15.

For the broader EU, the European parliament has passed a advisory motion calling for a ban for minors unless parental consent is provided. Even though it warns of the "habit-forming" design of these apps, the move does not enact mandatory rules.

"A strong age limit is a good foundation," commented one parliamentarian driving the resolution.

The UK: An Evidence-Based Eye

For the United Kingdom, the government has remained open to a potential ban, stating that "no option is discarded" but maintaining any decision must be "grounded in conclusive research".

Last year, momentum built behind a bill to introduce controls on social media use by minors, but it was ultimately weakened. Nonetheless, the government vowed to further research the issue.

Charities have raised warnings. One foundation established by the family of a girl who was lost after being exposed to dangerous social media material contends that a strict age ban could fail to improve online safety and could lead to a "cliff edge" of exposure when users turn 16.

"This ban is a reaction to the refusal of the tech sector to design tools that are safe and fit for young users," stated a influential child protection advocate.

The United States: A Fragmented Approach

In the United States, legislation is largely occurring at the state level amid federal inaction.

• Utah demands adult approval for those under 18 to use social media and limits overnight use.
• Florida has enacted a law barring children under fourteen from accessing social media, though it faces legal challenges.
• The state of Virginia has passed a rule restricting under-16s to one hour of social media use per day, with additional time needing a guardian's okay.
• Georgia, Tennessee, and The state of Louisiana have similarly passed bills requiring guardian approval for under-16s to open social media profiles.

Despite bipartisan support and suggestions from certain politicians to copy Australia's example, a federal ban is right now seen as a distant prospect.

Global Perspectives

Apart from Europe and the US, other states are likewise exploring options.

• Malaysia aims to restrict social media for those under sixteen beginning next year.
• Brazil has lifted the required age for the platform Instagram to 16.

Yet, global agencies take a more measured position. A major UN agency has advised that social media bans pose dangers and "may even prove counterproductive". The body points out that the internet can be a "lifeline" for isolated young people and that government action should not be a "substitute" for platform operators to prioritize user protection.

While this international discussion unfolds, the actions of the Australian government and others demonstrate that policymakers around the world are increasingly content to wait for platforms to act voluntarily.