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The Australian decisive policy to restrict social platforms access for individuals under sixteen is sending ripples internationally. Lawmakers, campaigners, and guardians are observing with great interest to see if this tactic will inspire imitation for other nations.

The European Trend

In Europe, a growing chorus of states are exploring comparable bans.

• The Danish government has stated a ban on social media for under-15s, with the PM stating that phones and platforms are "robbing our youngsters' youth". A law is expected to be formalized in the coming year.
• Norway is preparing to implement a minimum age limit of 15, highlighting the need to protect children from the "influence of the algorithms".
• Ireland is working on a digital wallet to verify the identity and age of social media account holders. The media minister have indicated that an similar ban remains "one of the tools under consideration".
• In Spain, the president has called on lawmakers to enact a law increasing the access age for accessing social media to 16.
• In France, the leader has proposed a ban for children below 15, and a parliamentary commission has endorsed a related move, alongside an overnight "screen time restriction" for 15- to 18-year-olds.
• The administration in The Dutch government has urged parents to prevent their kids from social media before 15.

For the broader EU, the EU parliament has adopted a advisory motion demanding a ban for minors without a parent decides otherwise is given. Even though it highlights of the "habit-forming" nature of these apps, the step does not enact binding law.

"A clear age barrier is a good first step," said one European lawmaker supporting the resolution.

The United Kingdom: An Evidence-Based Eye

In the UK, the leadership has remained open to a possible ban, stating that "nothing is being dismissed" but insisting any decision must be "supported by conclusive evidence".

Earlier, momentum gathered behind a proposal to impose controls on social media use by minors, but it was eventually watered down. However, the government vowed to investigate the issue.

Advocacy groups have voiced concerns. One foundation founded by the loved ones of a girl who took her own life after encountering dangerous online content argues that a strict age ban might not protect children and could result in a "sudden drop-off" of exposure when teens reach the legal age.

"The Australian ban is a response to the failure of the tech sector to build tools that are safe and suitable for children," stated a prominent peer.

The US: A Fragmented Picture

Stateside, regulation is primarily happening at the local level against a backdrop of country-wide stalemate.

• Utah demands adult approval for those under 18 to use social media and controls nighttime use.
• Florida has passed a law barring children under fourteen from joining social media, though it faces constitutional disputes.
• The state of Virginia has enacted a regulation restricting under-16s to 60 minutes of social media time per day, with additional time requiring parental permission.
• The state of Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have similarly enacted bills requiring adult authorization for teenagers to create social media accounts.

Despite widespread concern and proposals from various politicians to copy this path, a nationwide ban is currently seen as a distant prospect.

Global Outlook

Outside of Europe and the US, other states are also exploring options.

• Malaysia plans to prohibit social media for teenagers effective next year.
• Brazil has increased the required age for one major platform to 16.

However, global organizations take a more measured stance. A major UN agency has advised that age-based restrictions have downsides and "might have unintended consequences". The body points out that social networks can be a "lifeline" for isolated children and that bans should not be a "replacement" for tech companies to prioritize user protection.

Even as this international discussion evolves, the policies of the Australian government and others demonstrate that governments around the world are increasingly willing to wait for the industry to make changes on their own.