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Australia's controversial action to restrict social platforms access for individuals under sixteen is sending ripples worldwide. Lawmakers, campaigners, and parents are observing closely to see if this tactic will become a template for the rest of the world.

European Trend

Across Europe, a increasing number of states are moving toward parallel restrictions.

• Denmark plans a restriction on social media for children under fifteen, with the PM arguing that smartphones and apps are "taking away our youngsters' youth". The policy could be formalized next year.
• The Norwegian government is planning to implement a access barrier of 15, citing the need to shield children from the "power of the algorithms".
• Ireland is introducing a digital ID system to confirm the identity and age of social media account holders. Officials have stated that an Australian-model ban remains "one of the options in reserve".
• In The Spanish government, the leader has called on parliament to pass a bill lifting the minimum age for joining social media to 16.
• In The French government, the president has proposed a ban for children below 15, and a legislative committee has recommended a related action, potentially involving an overnight "digital curfew" for 15- to 18-year-olds.
• The administration in The Netherlands has advised families to prevent their children from social media until 15.

Across the European Union, the bloc's legislature has approved a advisory statement calling for a ban for teenagers under 16 except if guardian approval is granted. Although it cautions of the "addictive" design of these platforms, the move does not establish enforceable legislation.

"A clear age restriction is a good foundation," said the MEP behind the measure.

The United Kingdom: An Evidence-Based Approach

For the United Kingdom, the leadership has remained open to a potential ban, stating that "no option is discarded" but insisting any decision must be "supported by robust research".

Last year, support gathered behind a bill to enact limits on social media use by under-16s, but it was in the end modified. However, the government vowed to investigate the matter.

Campaign organizations have voiced concerns. An organization founded by the loved ones of a girl who was lost after encountering harmful platform posts argues that a simple age ban could fail to protect children and could result in a "sudden drop-off" of risk when users turn 16.

"Australia's ban is a answer to the inability of the Silicon Valley to build products and services that are safe and fit for children," stated a prominent peer.

The United States: A State-by-State Picture

Across America, regulation is largely unfolding at the regional level amid federal stalemate.

• The state of Utah requires parental consent for minors to use social media and controls late-night use.
• Florida has signed a measure barring children under fourteen from joining social media, though it is subject to legal challenges.
• Virginia has passed a regulation restricting under-16s to a single hour of social media time per day, with any further use needing a guardian's okay.
• Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have similarly introduced laws demanding guardian approval for minors to open social media presences.

Even with cross-party agreement and suggestions from some figures to copy this lead, a nationwide ban is currently seen as unlikely.

Worldwide Perspectives

Beyond Europe and the US, other nations are similarly taking action.

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

However, global organizations strike a more cautious stance. Unicef has cautioned that age-based restrictions pose dangers and "could prove counterproductive". The body highlights that the internet can be a "critical link" for vulnerable children and that bans should not be a "replacement" for tech companies to prioritize safety.

Even as this international discussion continues, the policies of the Australian government and others show that policymakers internationally are less and less willing to stand by for the industry to self-regulate.