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Australia's bold policy to restrict social platforms access for those under 16 is creating waves worldwide. Lawmakers, campaigners, and parents are monitoring intently to see if this tactic will become a template for the rest of the world.

Across Europe Momentum

Across Europe, a rising chorus of states are exploring similar measures.

• The Danish government has stated a prohibition on social media for children under fifteen, with the prime minister arguing that smartphones and networks are "stealing our youngsters' innocence". The policy may be enacted in the coming year.
• Norway is set to enforce a access barrier of 15, citing the need to safeguard young people from the "manipulative force of the recommendation systems".
• Ireland is working on a online verification tool to confirm the identity and age of social media account holders. The media minister have suggested that an Australia-style ban is "an measures under consideration".
• In The Spanish government, the leader has asked the legislature to enact a law raising the legal age for using social media to 16.
• In France, the president has threatened a ban for those under fifteen, and a government panel has suggested a related move, potentially involving an overnight "internet blackout" for older teenagers.
• The administration in The Netherlands has urged guardians to prevent their kids from social media up to the age of 15.

At the EU level, the European parliament has approved a symbolic resolution supporting a ban for under-16s unless guardian approval is given. While it highlights of the "addictive" design of these apps, the step does not create enforceable legislation.

"A clear age barrier is a solid first step," stated the MEP supporting the resolution.

The United Kingdom: An Evidence-Based Approach

In the UK, the leadership has not ruled out a future ban, emphasizing that "no measure is off the table" but maintaining any decision must be "based on conclusive research".

Last year, momentum grew behind a bill to impose limits on social media use by teenagers, but it was ultimately modified. Nonetheless, the government committed to investigate the matter.

Campaign organizations have expressed concerns. A prominent charity established by the family of a girl who took her own life after encountering harmful online content argues that a blanket age ban might not make platforms safer and could create a "dangerous transition" of exposure when teens become eligible.

"This ban is a reaction to the refusal of the Silicon Valley to create platforms and apps that are safe and fit for young users," commented a influential child protection advocate.

America: A State-by-State Landscape

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

• Utah mandates guardian permission for under-18s to use social media and limits overnight use.
• Florida has signed a bill prohibiting children under fourteen from accessing social media, though it is subject to constitutional disputes.
• Virginia has passed a rule limiting under-16s to 60 minutes of social media access per day, with additional time requiring adult consent.
• Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and Louisiana have similarly introduced measures requiring guardian approval for teenagers to set up social media profiles.

Despite widespread concern and proposals from various figures to copy this example, a US-wide ban is right now seen as a distant prospect.

International Perspectives

Outside of Europe and the US, additional nations are similarly taking action.

• Malaysia plans to restrict social media for those under sixteen beginning next year.
• Brazil has increased the minimum age for one major platform to 16.

But, international organizations adopt a more measured tone. The UN children's agency has warned that social media bans have downsides and "could backfire". The agency notes that the internet can be a "vital connection" for marginalized youth and that government action should not be a "excuse" for platform operators to prioritize user protection.

While this international discussion unfolds, the actions of this nation and several other countries demonstrate that policymakers globally are less and less willing to wait for tech companies to make changes on their own.