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Australia's decisive move to prohibit social platforms access for those under 16 is sending ripples around the globe. Lawmakers, safety advocates, and guardians are watching closely to see if this approach will inspire imitation for the rest of the world.

Across Europe Trend

Throughout Europe, a growing group of states are considering parallel bans.

• The Danish government plans a restriction on social media for youth below 15, with the leader arguing that mobile devices and networks are "stealing our youngsters' youth". A law could be formalized next year.
• Norway is planning to implement a age restriction of 15, highlighting the need to protect children from the "influence of the algorithms".
• The Irish government is developing a online verification tool to verify the age and identity of social media users. Authorities have indicated that an similar ban could be "one of the options under consideration".
• In Spain, the prime minister has asked lawmakers to approve a proposal raising the access age for using social media to 16.
• In France, the head of state has threatened a ban for those under fifteen, and a legislative committee has suggested a similar step, including an overnight "screen time restriction" for 15- to 18-year-olds.
• The government in The Netherlands has recommended parents to block their kids from social media up to the age of 15.

For the broader EU, the bloc's legislature has passed a non-binding motion calling for a ban for minors without parental consent is granted. While it highlights of the "compulsive" nature of these services, the move does not enact mandatory rules.

"A strong age restriction is a solid first step," said the MEP supporting the measure.

Britain: A Cautious Stance

Across Britain, the administration has not ruled out a future ban, emphasizing that "nothing is off the table" but stressing any policy must be "supported by conclusive data".

Earlier, interest grew behind a legislative effort to enact limits on social media use by minors, but it was eventually weakened. Nonetheless, the government vowed to investigate the topic.

Campaign organizations have raised warnings. An organization founded by the loved ones of a girl who took her own life after viewing harmful platform posts argues that a simple age ban may not improve online safety and could lead to a "cliff edge" of risk when young people reach the legal age.

"Australia's ban is a reaction to the inability of the social media companies to build tools that are safe and age appropriate for children," said a prominent online safety campaigner.

The United States: A Decentralized Approach

Across America, regulation is primarily occurring at the regional level due to federal stalemate.

• Utah requires guardian permission for minors to use social media and restricts nighttime use.
• The state of Florida has passed a measure banning children under fourteen from accessing social media, though it faces constitutional disputes.
• The state of Virginia has approved a regulation capping teenagers to one hour of social media time per day, with additional use dependent on a guardian's okay.
• Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and The state of Louisiana have likewise enacted measures mandating adult authorization for under-16s to set up social media accounts.

Despite bipartisan support and suggestions from some politicians to follow Australia's path, a nationwide ban is currently seen as a distant prospect.

Global Outlook

Apart from Europe and the US, additional countries are likewise considering moves.

• The Malaysian government plans to prohibit social media for under-16s effective next year.
• Brazil has lifted the minimum age for the platform Instagram to 16.

But, global agencies adopt a more cautious stance. The UN children's agency has advised that social media bans have downsides and "might have unintended consequences". The body highlights that the internet can be a "critical link" for vulnerable youth and that regulation should not be a "substitute" for tech companies to improve safety.

As this international conversation continues, the actions of Australia and others show that governments internationally are increasingly willing to delay for platforms to self-regulate.