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The Australian decisive move to restrict social platforms access for individuals under sixteen is sending ripples around the globe. Officials, safety advocates, and parents are observing closely to see if this approach will set a precedent for the rest of the world.

The European Trend

In Europe, a growing chorus of states are moving toward similar bans.

• Denmark has stated a restriction on social media for children under fifteen, with the leader declaring that smartphones and apps are "robbing our children's youth". The policy could be enacted next year.
• Norway is planning to enforce a age restriction of 15, highlighting the need to shield young people from the "influence of the algorithms".
• Ireland is developing a online verification tool to authenticate the age and identity of social media account holders. The media minister have suggested that an Australian-model ban could be "one of the measures in reserve".
• In Spain, the prime minister has asked parliament to enact a bill lifting the minimum age for joining social media to 16.
• In France, the president has proposed a ban for children below 15, and a government panel has endorsed a similar step, including an overnight "internet blackout" for adolescents.
• The authorities in The Netherlands has urged parents to restrict their kids from social media until 15.

At the EU level, the bloc's legislature has passed a non-binding statement calling for a ban for teenagers under 16 unless a parent decides otherwise is provided. Although it cautions of the "addictive" quality of these platforms, the resolution does not create binding law.

"A clear age limit is a useful starting point," stated the MEP supporting the initiative.

The UK: A Cautious Eye

Across Britain, the government has kept open a future ban, arguing that "nothing is off the table" but maintaining any action must be "supported by strong data".

Earlier, interest gathered behind a legislative effort to impose limits on social media use by under-16s, but it was ultimately modified. Instead, the government vowed to investigate the matter.

Advocacy groups have voiced warnings. A prominent charity set up by the relatives of a girl who was lost after encountering disturbing social media material suggests that a strict age ban might not improve online safety and could lead to a "sudden drop-off" of harm when teens turn 16.

"Australia's ban is a response to the refusal of the social media companies to create products and services that are secure and suitable for young users," said a influential peer.

The US: A Decentralized Landscape

Stateside, regulation is largely unfolding at the local government level due to federal gridlock.

• Utah requires parental consent for minors to use social media and controls late-night use.
• Florida has signed a bill prohibiting under-14s from accessing social media, though it is subject to court battles.
• The state of Virginia has enacted a rule restricting minors to a single hour of social media time per day, with additional access requiring parental permission.
• Georgia, Tennessee, and The state of Louisiana have also enacted bills demanding guardian approval for minors to create social media presences.

Despite bipartisan support and suggestions from certain politicians to copy Australia's example, a federal ban is right now seen as unlikely.

Worldwide Perspectives

Apart from the West, further states are also exploring options.

• The Malaysian government aims to ban social media for those under sixteen beginning next year.
• Brazil has lifted the access age for Instagram to 16.

Yet, world organizations adopt a more nuanced tone. A major UN agency has warned that age-based restrictions pose dangers and "might have unintended consequences". The organization points out that social networks can be a "critical link" for vulnerable young people and that bans should not be a "excuse" for platform operators to invest in child safeguards.

Even as this worldwide debate evolves, the actions of Australia and its followers indicate that policymakers around the world are no longer prepared to wait for the industry to make changes on their own.