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The nation's bold policy to prohibit social platforms access for those under 16 is creating waves worldwide. Politicians, safety advocates, and guardians are observing with great interest to see if this approach will set a precedent for countries abroad.

European Movement

In Europe, a growing chorus of states are moving toward parallel restrictions.

• The Danish government plans a restriction on social media for children under fifteen, with the prime minister declaring that phones and platforms are "robbing our kids' childhood". The policy could be formalized next year.
• Norway is preparing to introduce a age restriction of 15, highlighting the need to protect children from the "power of the algorithms".
• The Irish government is working on a digital wallet to confirm the age and identity of social media participants. The media minister have suggested that an Australia-style ban is "one of the measures in reserve".
• In Spain, the leader has called on parliament to enact a bill lifting the legal age for accessing social media to 16.
• In France, the leader has floated the idea of a ban for under-15s, and a government panel has suggested a comparable action, alongside an overnight "screen time restriction" for 15- to 18-year-olds.
• The administration in The Dutch government has recommended parents to restrict their youngsters from social media until 15.

For the broader EU, the EU parliament has passed a advisory motion demanding a ban for teenagers under 16 without parental consent is given. Although it warns of the "compulsive" nature of these apps, the step does not enact enforceable legislation.

"A strong age barrier is a useful first step," said a leading MEP behind the resolution.

Britain: A Watchful Eye

For the United Kingdom, the leadership has remained open to a potential ban, arguing that "no measure is off the table" but maintaining any policy must be "based on strong research".

Previously, support built behind a bill to impose restrictions on social media use by minors, but it was in the end modified. Nonetheless, the government vowed to further research the topic.

Campaign organizations have voiced concerns. A prominent charity established by the loved ones of a young person who was lost after being exposed to dangerous online content contends that a simple age ban could fail to make platforms safer and could lead to a "dangerous transition" of risk when young people reach the legal age.

"This ban is a reaction to the inability of the Silicon Valley to build platforms and apps that are safe and age appropriate for children," said a leading peer.

The US: A Fragmented Landscape

Stateside, regulation is largely occurring at the state level against a backdrop of country-wide stalemate.

• Utah mandates parental consent for under-18s to use social media and limits late-night use.
• Florida has passed a measure barring under-14s from accessing social media, though it is entangled in court battles.
• Virginia has enacted a law capping teenagers to one hour of social media access per day, with any further use requiring a guardian's okay.
• The state of Georgia, Tennessee, and The state of Louisiana have likewise introduced measures demanding adult authorization for under-16s to set up social media profiles.

Even with bipartisan support and calls from some politicians to mimic Australia's example, a federal ban is currently seen as unlikely.

Global Perspectives

Apart from Europe and the US, further nations are similarly exploring options.

• Malaysia intends to restrict social media for those under sixteen starting from next year.
• The Brazilian authorities has lifted the required age for Instagram to 16.

But, global organizations take a more nuanced stance. Unicef has advised that blanket prohibitions have downsides and "might prove counterproductive". The organization points out that social networks can be a "critical link" for marginalized youth and that government action should not be a "excuse" for platform operators to invest in safety.

While this global discussion evolves, the policies of the Australian government and several other countries demonstrate that governments around the world are increasingly prepared to stand by for the industry to self-regulate.