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The Australian decisive move to restrict social platforms access for young people below 16 is sending ripples internationally. Politicians, campaigners, and parents are watching closely to see if this tactic will set a precedent for countries abroad.

European Trend

Across Europe, a growing number of states are considering parallel bans.

• Denmark plans a restriction on social media for children under fifteen, with the leader declaring that smartphones and apps are "taking away our youngsters' youth". The policy could be formalized soon.
• Norway is planning to implement a age restriction of 15, citing the need to protect the young from the "influence of the recommendation systems".
• Ireland is working on a digital ID system to confirm the identity and age of social media participants. The media minister have indicated that an Australia-style ban is "one of the options under consideration".
• In The Spanish government, the leader has urged the legislature to approve a bill raising the access age for accessing social media to 16.
• In France, the leader has threatened a ban for children below 15, and a government panel has suggested a related step, including an overnight "internet blackout" for older teenagers.
• The authorities in the Netherlands has recommended families to prevent their youngsters from social media until 15.

For the broader EU, the European parliament has approved a non-binding resolution supporting a ban for minors except if parental consent is provided. Although it cautions of the "compulsive" quality of these services, the step does not establish binding law.

"An effective age limit is a useful starting point," said the MEP driving the resolution.

Britain: A Cautious Stance

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

Previously, momentum gathered behind a legislative effort to introduce restrictions on social media use by teenagers, but it was eventually watered down. However, the administration vowed to further research the topic.

Campaign organizations have expressed apprehensions. An organization established by the relatives of a girl who was lost after being exposed to disturbing online content suggests that a simple age ban may not make platforms safer and could lead to a "cliff edge" of exposure when users become eligible.

"Australia's ban is a reaction to the inability of the tech sector to build tools that are appropriate and suitable for children," stated a prominent child protection advocate.

The US: A Fragmented Approach

In the United States, legislation is mostly occurring at the regional level against a backdrop of federal inaction.

• The state of Utah requires parental consent for minors to use social media and limits overnight use.
• Florida has passed a measure barring those below 14 from accessing social media, though it faces constitutional disputes.
• Virginia has enacted a law limiting minors to 60 minutes of social media use per day, with extra access requiring adult consent.
• The state of Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have likewise enacted laws demanding guardian approval for minors to open social media presences.

Even with widespread concern and suggestions from certain politicians to mimic the Australian lead, a nationwide ban is currently seen as a distant prospect.

International Views

Apart from the West, further states are similarly exploring options.

• Malaysia plans to prohibit social media for teenagers beginning next year.
• Brazil has raised the minimum age for the platform Instagram to 16.

However, international organizations take a more nuanced position. Unicef has warned that social media bans pose dangers and "could backfire". The organization points out that the internet can be a "vital connection" for isolated young people and that bans should not be a "substitute" for social media firms to improve user protection.

While this worldwide discussion evolves, the actions of the Australian government and several other countries show that governments globally are less and less prepared to delay for the industry to self-regulate.