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The Australian decisive action to restrict social platforms access for individuals under sixteen is sending ripples worldwide. Politicians, safety advocates, and families are watching intently to see if this approach will become a template for countries abroad.

The European Momentum

In Europe, a rising chorus of states are moving toward parallel measures.

• Denmark has announced a restriction on social media for youth below 15, with the PM arguing that smartphones and platforms are "stealing our kids' innocence". A law could be enacted soon.
• Norway is set to implement a minimum age limit of 15, citing the need to shield the young from the "manipulative force of the algorithms".
• Ireland is introducing a digital ID system to confirm the user details of social media account holders. Authorities have suggested that an Australian-model ban is "a potential tools on the table".
• In The Spanish government, the president has called on parliament to pass a proposal increasing the legal age for using social media to 16.
• In The French government, the head of state has floated the idea of a ban for those under fifteen, and a parliamentary commission has recommended a similar step, alongside an overnight "digital curfew" for 15- to 18-year-olds.
• The authorities in The Dutch government has recommended families to restrict their youngsters from social media before 15.

Across the European Union, the European parliament has approved a symbolic statement supporting a ban for under-16s except if guardian approval is given. Although it cautions of the "compulsive" nature of these apps, the step does not establish enforceable legislation.

"A strong age restriction is a solid starting point," commented the European lawmaker driving the measure.

The UK: A Watchful Stance

In the UK, the administration has not ruled out a future ban, stating that "no measure is discarded" but stressing any action must be "supported by robust evidence".

Last year, support built behind a proposal to introduce limits on social media use by under-16s, but it was ultimately weakened. Nonetheless, the administration pledged to conduct more studies the issue.

Charities have raised apprehensions. One foundation established by the loved ones of a girl who died after viewing disturbing platform posts contends that a strict age ban might not improve online safety and could lead to a "cliff edge" of exposure when teens reach the legal age.

"This ban is a response to the failure of the social media companies to build products and services that are secure and suitable for children," commented a prominent peer.

The United States: A Fragmented Landscape

Stateside, action is largely happening at the local government level due to country-wide inaction.

• Utah requires guardian permission for minors to use social media and controls late-night use.
• The state of Florida has passed a bill banning under-14s from accessing social media, though it faces legal challenges.
• Virginia has passed a rule limiting minors to one hour of social media access per day, with additional use dependent on parental permission.
• Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have also enacted measures demanding guardian approval for minors to open social media profiles.

Even with cross-party agreement and calls from certain individuals to mimic Australia's path, a federal ban is right now seen as unlikely.

International Views

Apart from the West, other nations are likewise taking action.

• Malaysia plans to prohibit social media for under-16s effective next year.
• Brazil has lifted the access age for the platform Instagram to 16.

But, global organizations adopt a more cautious stance. A major UN agency has cautioned that blanket prohibitions carry risks and "may even have unintended consequences". The body points out that the internet can be a "critical link" for vulnerable children and that government action should not be a "excuse" for social media firms to prioritize safety.

As this global debate continues, the actions of the Australian government and others indicate that policymakers around the world are less and less content to stand by for tech companies to act voluntarily.