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Australia's controversial move to prohibit social platforms access for young people below 16 is creating waves around the globe. Lawmakers, safety advocates, and families are observing closely to see if this strategy will become a template for other nations.

The European Trend

Across Europe, a rising group of nations are moving toward similar measures.

• The Danish government has stated a ban on social media for under-15s, with the leader declaring that phones and networks are "robbing our youngsters' innocence". The policy is expected to be passed soon.
• Norway is set to introduce a age restriction of 15, pointing to the need to shield young people from the "manipulative force of the AI".
• The Irish government is developing a online verification tool to verify the user details of social media account holders. Officials have suggested that an Australian-model ban is "a potential tools in reserve".
• In The Spanish government, the leader has urged the legislature to approve a law lifting the access age for joining social media to 16.
• In The French government, the president has threatened a ban for those under fifteen, and a parliamentary commission has suggested a similar move, alongside an overnight "digital curfew" for 15- to 18-year-olds.
• The authorities in The Dutch government has recommended guardians to block their children from social media before 15.

Across the European Union, the EU parliament has approved a non-binding motion demanding a ban for minors unless a parent decides otherwise is provided. Even though it highlights of the "habit-forming" design of these services, the move does not create binding law.

"A clear age limit is a good foundation," stated one European lawmaker driving the measure.

Britain: A Cautious Stance

In the UK, the government has remained open to a future ban, emphasizing that "nothing is discarded" but insisting any action must be "grounded in robust evidence".

Previously, support gathered behind a proposal to enact controls on social media use by minors, but it was in the end modified. However, the government committed to investigate the matter.

Campaign organizations have expressed concerns. One foundation established by the relatives of a girl who was lost after being exposed to harmful platform posts contends that a simple age ban could fail to improve online safety and could lead to a "sudden drop-off" of risk when users become eligible.

"Australia's ban is a response to the refusal of the social media companies to build platforms and apps that are secure and age appropriate for young users," stated a leading child protection advocate.

The United States: A State-by-State Picture

Across America, regulation is mostly happening at the state government level amid national gridlock.

• Utah demands parental consent for those under 18 to use social media and limits late-night use.
• Florida has enacted a bill prohibiting under-14s from creating accounts on social media, though it faces constitutional disputes.
• Virginia has enacted a rule limiting minors to one hour of social media time per day, with extra time requiring parental permission.
• The state of Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have similarly enacted bills requiring adult authorization for minors to open social media profiles.

Even with cross-party agreement and proposals from certain politicians to copy this example, a federal ban is presently seen as a distant prospect.

International Perspectives

Outside of these regions, other countries are similarly exploring options.

• Malaysia plans to ban social media for teenagers effective next year.
• The Brazilian authorities has increased the access age for the platform Instagram to 16.

However, international bodies adopt a more nuanced stance. The UN children's agency has advised that age-based restrictions carry risks and "may even have unintended consequences". The agency notes that social networks can be a "vital connection" for vulnerable children and that bans should not be a "replacement" for tech companies to prioritize child safeguards.

As this international debate evolves, the policies of this nation and its followers demonstrate that policymakers globally are no longer prepared to delay for the industry to self-regulate.