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Australia's decisive policy to restrict social media access for young people below 16 is creating waves worldwide. Lawmakers, child protection groups, and families are observing with great interest to see if this strategy will become a template for countries abroad.

European Movement

Throughout Europe, a growing group of nations are considering parallel restrictions.

• Denmark has announced a restriction on social media for youth below 15, with the PM arguing that smartphones and platforms are "stealing our children's childhood". The policy could be passed soon.
• Norway is planning to implement a minimum age limit of 15, highlighting the need to shield the young from the "influence of the AI".
• The Irish government is working on a digital wallet to verify the identity and age of social media users. Officials have indicated that an Australia-style ban remains "an tools in reserve".
• In Spain, the prime minister has asked lawmakers to approve a law increasing the minimum age for accessing social media to 16.
• In France, the head of state has threatened a ban for under-15s, and a legislative committee has endorsed a related step, alongside an overnight "internet blackout" for 15- to 18-year-olds.
• The administration in The Netherlands has advised parents to restrict their children from social media up to the age of 15.

Across the European Union, the European parliament has approved a advisory statement calling for a ban for under-16s except if a parent decides otherwise is provided. Although it warns of the "compulsive" nature of these services, the step does not create binding law.

"A clear age restriction is a solid starting point," commented one MEP driving the measure.

The United Kingdom: An Evidence-Based Eye

Across Britain, the leadership has remained open to a potential ban, emphasizing that "nothing is being dismissed" but insisting any policy must be "grounded in conclusive data".

Previously, momentum grew behind a bill to introduce restrictions on social media use by under-16s, but it was in the end watered down. However, the government committed to investigate the matter.

Campaign organizations have voiced warnings. An organization established by the family of a girl who took her own life after viewing harmful online content contends that a strict age ban might not protect children and could create a "cliff edge" of risk when users reach the legal age.

"The Australian ban is a response to the inability of the tech sector to design products and services that are secure and fit for children," commented a leading online safety campaigner.

The US: A State-by-State Landscape

Stateside, regulation is mostly unfolding at the local government level against a backdrop of country-wide inaction.

• The state of Utah demands parental consent for those under 18 to use social media and restricts late-night use.
• The state of Florida has passed a bill barring children under fourteen from creating accounts on social media, though it faces constitutional disputes.
• The state of Virginia has enacted a rule restricting under-16s to one hour of social media time per day, with any further access dependent on parental permission.
• The state of Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and Louisiana have also passed laws mandating guardian approval for under-16s to create social media profiles.

Even with widespread concern and proposals from some politicians to follow the Australian path, a US-wide ban is presently seen as unlikely.

Worldwide Outlook

Beyond these regions, further states are similarly exploring options.

• The Malaysian government intends to prohibit social media for teenagers effective next year.
• The Brazilian authorities has raised the minimum age for one major platform to 16.

But, international bodies take a more nuanced position. A major UN agency has advised that blanket prohibitions have downsides and "could prove counterproductive". The agency notes that social networks can be a "vital connection" for isolated youth and that bans should not be a "excuse" for social media firms to invest in safety.

As this worldwide conversation unfolds, the steps of Australia and several other countries indicate that states internationally are less and less willing to stand by for platforms to act voluntarily.