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Australia's bold action to prohibit social platforms access for those under 16 is sparking debate around the globe. Officials, child protection groups, and families are observing closely to see if this tactic will become a template for the rest of the world.

European Momentum

Across Europe, a rising group of states are moving toward parallel restrictions.

• The Danish government has announced a restriction on social media for children under fifteen, with the leader stating that mobile devices and networks are "stealing our kids' innocence". Legislation may be passed in the coming year.
• Norway is planning to enforce a minimum age limit of 15, pointing to the need to protect the young from the "power of the algorithms".
• Ireland is introducing a digital wallet to confirm the user details of social media account holders. The media minister have indicated that an Australia-style ban could be "an tools on the table".
• In Spain, the leader has asked the legislature to pass a law raising the access age for joining social media to 16.
• In France, the president has floated the idea of a ban for children below 15, and a government panel has recommended a related step, potentially involving an overnight "screen time restriction" for older teenagers.
• The authorities in The Dutch government has urged parents to restrict their children from social media until 15.

For the broader EU, the EU parliament has adopted a advisory motion calling for a ban for teenagers under 16 without guardian approval is provided. Although it cautions of the "addictive" design of these apps, the step does not enact mandatory rules.

"An effective age limit is a solid first step," said one European lawmaker supporting the resolution.

The United Kingdom: A Watchful Stance

For the United Kingdom, the administration has not ruled out a possible ban, stating that "nothing is being dismissed" but stressing any policy must be "grounded in conclusive research".

Last year, interest built behind a legislative effort to enact restrictions on social media use by under-16s, but it was in the end weakened. Nonetheless, the government vowed to further research the matter.

Campaign organizations have voiced concerns. One foundation founded by the relatives of a young person who took her own life after viewing harmful online content argues that a simple age ban may not protect children and could create a "cliff edge" of exposure when teens become eligible.

"Australia's ban is a response to the inability of the tech sector to build platforms and apps that are secure and age appropriate for children," said a influential online safety campaigner.

The United States: A Decentralized Approach

In the United States, legislation is mostly happening at the regional level amid national gridlock.

• The state of Utah requires parental consent for those under 18 to use social media and limits late-night use.
• The state of Florida has signed a law barring children under fourteen from creating accounts on social media, though it is subject to legal challenges.
• Virginia has passed a rule limiting minors to 60 minutes of social media access per day, with additional time dependent on parental permission.
• Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and Louisiana have likewise introduced bills requiring parental consent for minors to open social media accounts.

Despite bipartisan support and calls from various politicians to copy this path, a nationwide ban is presently seen as a distant prospect.

Global Views

Outside of Europe and the US, additional states are also exploring options.

• The Malaysian government intends to restrict social media for those under sixteen effective next year.
• Brazil has lifted the required age for the platform Instagram to 16.

Yet, international agencies take a more nuanced stance. A major UN agency has warned that social media bans carry risks and "may even have unintended consequences". The organization highlights that social networks can be a "critical link" for marginalized children and that government action should not be a "excuse" for platform operators to invest in user protection.

While this international discussion continues, the steps of this nation and its followers indicate that governments globally are less and less prepared to stand by for tech companies to self-regulate.