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Australia's decisive move to restrict social platforms access for individuals under sixteen is sending ripples worldwide. Politicians, campaigners, and families are watching intently to see if this strategy will inspire imitation for the rest of the world.

The European Trend

In Europe, a rising group of states are considering similar bans.

• Denmark has stated a prohibition on social media for youth below 15, with the prime minister arguing that mobile devices and platforms are "robbing our kids' youth". Legislation is expected to be enacted in the coming year.
• Norway is set to introduce a access barrier of 15, pointing to the need to shield children from the "manipulative force of the AI".
• The Irish government is working on a online verification tool to verify the user details of social media account holders. The media minister have stated that an Australian-model ban is "one of the options under consideration".
• In The Spanish government, the prime minister has urged parliament to enact a law raising the legal age for using social media to 16.
• In The French government, the leader has threatened a ban for under-15s, and a legislative committee has endorsed a similar move, including an overnight "digital curfew" for older teenagers.
• The government in The Netherlands has advised parents to restrict their children from social media before 15.

For the broader EU, the EU parliament has approved a non-binding statement supporting a ban for under-16s without parental consent is provided. Even though it cautions of the "compulsive" design of these services, the move does not create enforceable legislation.

"An effective age limit is a good starting point," said the European lawmaker driving the resolution.

Britain: An Evidence-Based Eye

Across Britain, the government has kept open a possible ban, arguing that "no option is off the table" but insisting any policy must be "grounded in conclusive data".

Last year, interest gathered behind a proposal to enact limits on social media use by under-16s, but it was in the end weakened. Instead, the administration vowed to further research the matter.

Advocacy groups have raised concerns. One foundation set up by the relatives of a girl who was lost after being exposed to disturbing social media material contends that a simple age ban could fail to improve online safety and could lead to a "sudden drop-off" of risk when young people become eligible.

"Australia's ban is a response to the refusal of the Silicon Valley to create products and services that are secure and suitable for minors," commented a influential peer.

The US: A Decentralized Landscape

In the United States, action is primarily happening at the local level due to country-wide inaction.

• Utah requires parental consent for minors to use social media and limits late-night use.
• Florida has enacted a bill barring under-14s from accessing social media, though it is subject to constitutional disputes.
• Virginia has approved a law limiting minors to a single hour of social media access per day, with extra access requiring adult consent.
• Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and The state of Louisiana have similarly enacted measures demanding guardian approval for under-16s to create social media accounts.

Even with cross-party agreement and suggestions from some figures to copy the Australian example, a federal ban is right now seen as unlikely.

International Perspectives

Outside of Europe and the US, additional states are likewise exploring options.

• Malaysia intends to prohibit social media for under-16s beginning next year.
• The Brazilian authorities has increased the required age for one major platform to 16.

But, global agencies adopt a more cautious stance. A major UN agency has advised that blanket prohibitions carry risks and "may even backfire". The organization highlights that social networks can be a "vital connection" for marginalized youth and that government action should not be a "excuse" for platform operators to prioritize safety.

As this international conversation evolves, the actions of the Australian government and several other countries demonstrate that governments internationally are increasingly willing to stand by for platforms to self-regulate.