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Australia's bold policy to prohibit social platforms access for young people below 16 is sending ripples around the globe. Lawmakers, child protection groups, and parents are monitoring closely to see if this strategy will set a precedent for other nations.

European Momentum

In Europe, a growing group of states are moving toward parallel restrictions.

• Denmark has stated a prohibition on social media for children under fifteen, with the PM declaring that smartphones and platforms are "robbing our children's childhood". Legislation could be enacted in the coming year.
• Norway is preparing to introduce a age restriction of 15, pointing to the need to safeguard young people from the "influence of the recommendation systems".
• Ireland is introducing a online verification tool to confirm the user details of social media account holders. The media minister have stated that an Australia-style ban could be "a potential tools under consideration".
• In Spain, the president has asked the legislature to enact a bill increasing the legal age for using social media to 16.
• In France, the head of state has threatened a ban for under-15s, and a government panel has recommended a similar action, potentially involving an overnight "screen time restriction" for older teenagers.
• The authorities in The Dutch government has urged parents to block their children from social media until 15.

Across the European Union, the EU parliament has adopted a symbolic motion supporting a ban for minors unless guardian approval is given. Although it cautions of the "addictive" nature of these apps, the move does not create binding law.

"A strong age barrier is a useful foundation," commented the parliamentarian behind the initiative.

The UK: A Cautious Eye

For the United Kingdom, the government has not ruled out a future ban, stating that "no option is being dismissed" but maintaining any policy must be "supported by conclusive evidence".

Previously, interest gathered behind a proposal to impose controls on social media use by under-16s, but it was ultimately weakened. Instead, the government pledged to investigate the issue.

Charities have expressed concerns. One foundation established by the relatives of a teenager who was lost after viewing disturbing platform posts argues that a strict age ban may not make platforms safer and could result in a "cliff edge" of risk when teens reach the legal age.

"Australia's ban is a reaction to the failure of the social media companies to design platforms and apps that are secure and suitable for young users," commented a prominent child protection advocate.

The United States: A State-by-State Approach

Stateside, action is mostly unfolding at the local level due to country-wide stalemate.

• Utah demands guardian permission for those under 18 to use social media and restricts overnight use.
• Florida has signed a law banning children under fourteen from joining social media, though it is subject to legal challenges.
• Virginia has enacted a rule capping teenagers to 60 minutes of social media access per day, with extra access requiring parental permission.
• The state of Georgia, Tennessee, and The state of Louisiana have also passed laws requiring adult authorization for under-16s to create social media presences.

Even with widespread concern and proposals from various individuals to copy this example, a US-wide ban is currently seen as improbable.

Worldwide Views

Apart from Europe and the US, additional states are likewise exploring options.

• The Malaysian government aims to ban social media for under-16s beginning next year.
• Brazil has lifted the minimum age for Instagram to 16.

Yet, international organizations adopt a more nuanced position. The UN children's agency has cautioned that social media bans carry risks and "could have unintended consequences". The body notes that the internet can be a "vital connection" for vulnerable children and that government action should not be a "excuse" for tech companies to prioritize child safeguards.

Even as this global conversation unfolds, the actions of the Australian government and its followers demonstrate that states around the world are less and less prepared to stand by for tech companies to make changes on their own.