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Australia's decisive action to restrict social platforms access for individuals under sixteen is sending ripples worldwide. Officials, child protection groups, and parents are watching closely to see if this tactic will become a template for the rest of the world.

Across Europe Momentum

Across Europe, a growing chorus of states are considering parallel restrictions.

• The Danish government has stated a ban on social media for youth below 15, with the PM arguing that mobile devices and platforms are "robbing our kids' innocence". A law is expected to be enacted in the coming year.
• The Norwegian government is planning to introduce a minimum age limit of 15, citing the need to shield children from the "manipulative force of the AI".
• Ireland is introducing a digital ID system to verify the age and identity of social media participants. Officials have suggested that an Australia-style ban remains "a potential tools under consideration".
• In Spain, the prime minister has asked lawmakers to enact a bill increasing 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 parliamentary commission has endorsed a similar action, potentially involving an overnight "digital curfew" for older teenagers.
• The authorities in the Netherlands has recommended guardians to block their children from social media until 15.

Across the European Union, the EU parliament has passed a non-binding resolution calling for a ban for teenagers under 16 except if guardian approval is provided. Although it cautions of the "habit-forming" nature of these platforms, the move does not establish mandatory rules.

"An effective age restriction is a solid foundation," commented the parliamentarian supporting the measure.

The United Kingdom: A Cautious Stance

In the UK, the government has not ruled out a possible ban, stating that "no option is being dismissed" but maintaining any decision must be "grounded in strong evidence".

Previously, interest gathered behind a legislative effort to introduce limits on social media use by minors, but it was ultimately weakened. Instead, the government committed to conduct more studies the topic.

Charities have raised concerns. An organization set up by the family of a girl who was lost after being exposed to disturbing online content contends that a blanket age ban might not protect children and could result in a "sudden drop-off" of exposure when teens become eligible.

"Australia's ban is a answer to the failure of the tech sector to create tools that are secure and suitable for children," commented a prominent online safety campaigner.

The US: A State-by-State Picture

Across America, regulation is mostly happening at the state level due to federal inaction.

• The state of Utah mandates parental consent for minors to use social media and limits late-night use.
• Florida has enacted a law prohibiting children under fourteen from accessing social media, though it is entangled in constitutional disputes.
• The state of Virginia has approved a law restricting teenagers to a single hour of social media use per day, with extra time needing parental permission.
• Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have likewise introduced measures demanding parental consent for under-16s to open social media accounts.

Even with cross-party agreement and suggestions from certain individuals to follow the Australian lead, a US-wide ban is presently seen as a distant prospect.

International Outlook

Outside of these regions, further states are similarly exploring options.

• Malaysia intends to restrict social media for under-16s starting from next year.
• Brazil has increased the minimum age for one major platform to 16.

Yet, world agencies strike a more cautious stance. The UN children's agency has cautioned that age-based restrictions have downsides and "might prove counterproductive". The agency highlights that the internet can be a "vital connection" for marginalized young people and that regulation should not be a "excuse" for platform operators to prioritize user protection.

While this global debate unfolds, the actions of the Australian government and others demonstrate that policymakers around the world are increasingly content to delay for tech companies to make changes on their own.