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Australia's bold policy to restrict social platforms access for young people below 16 is sending ripples internationally. Lawmakers, safety advocates, and guardians are monitoring intently to see if this strategy will inspire imitation for the rest of the world.

The European Trend

Throughout Europe, a increasing group of countries are considering similar measures.

• Denmark plans a restriction on social media for youth below 15, with the PM arguing that phones and apps are "taking away our kids' youth". A law may be formalized soon.
• Norway is preparing to implement a minimum age limit of 15, highlighting the need to safeguard the young from the "manipulative force of the recommendation systems".
• Ireland is introducing a digital wallet to confirm the identity and age of social media participants. Officials have suggested that an Australia-style ban remains "an measures in reserve".
• In The Spanish government, the president has called on the legislature to enact a law raising the legal age for joining social media to 16.
• In The French government, the president has proposed a ban for children below 15, and a legislative committee has suggested a related action, alongside an overnight "internet blackout" for 15- to 18-year-olds.
• The administration in The Dutch government has recommended guardians to block their youngsters from social media before 15.

At the EU level, the European parliament has adopted a symbolic resolution supporting a ban for minors except if parental consent is given. While it highlights of the "habit-forming" quality of these services, the resolution does not establish binding law.

"An effective age limit is a good first step," said one European lawmaker driving the resolution.

The United Kingdom: An Evidence-Based Approach

Across Britain, the leadership has remained open to a potential ban, arguing that "nothing is off the table" but insisting any policy must be "supported by strong data".

Previously, momentum grew behind a proposal to enact controls on social media use by under-16s, but it was eventually weakened. However, the administration vowed to further research the matter.

Advocacy groups have expressed concerns. An organization set up by the family of a girl who was lost after viewing disturbing online content suggests that a simple age ban may not make platforms safer and could create a "sudden drop-off" of risk when young people reach the legal age.

"The Australian ban is a reaction to the refusal of the Silicon Valley to create tools that are appropriate and suitable for minors," stated a leading peer.

The United States: A State-by-State Picture

Across America, legislation is primarily occurring at the state level amid country-wide inaction.

• The state of Utah mandates parental consent for those under 18 to use social media and restricts nighttime use.
• Florida has enacted a law prohibiting those below 14 from joining social media, though it is subject to constitutional disputes.
• The state of Virginia has enacted a rule limiting minors to a single hour of social media use per day, with additional access requiring a guardian's okay.
• The state of Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and Louisiana have likewise introduced bills requiring parental consent for minors to set up social media presences.

Despite widespread concern and calls from various figures to mimic this path, a nationwide ban is right now seen as unlikely.

Worldwide Views

Outside of the West, additional states are likewise exploring options.

• Malaysia aims to prohibit social media for those under sixteen starting from next year.
• Brazil has increased the required age for the platform Instagram to 16.

Yet, world organizations take a more nuanced tone. A major UN agency has advised that social media bans have downsides and "could have unintended consequences". The organization notes that the internet can be a "vital connection" for isolated children and that bans should not be a "substitute" for tech companies to invest in user protection.

While this international debate evolves, the actions of the Australian government and several other countries indicate that policymakers internationally are less and less willing to wait for platforms to self-regulate.