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Australia's controversial action to restrict social platforms access for individuals under sixteen is creating waves around the globe. Lawmakers, safety advocates, and parents are monitoring closely to see if this tactic will set a precedent for other nations.

European Trend

Throughout Europe, a rising chorus of nations are considering parallel bans.

• Denmark has announced a ban on social media for under-15s, with the leader declaring that smartphones and platforms are "robbing our kids' childhood". Legislation may be passed next year.
• Norway is set to implement a age restriction of 15, pointing to the need to protect children from the "influence of the recommendation systems".
• The Irish government is introducing a online verification tool to verify the age and identity of social media account holders. The media minister have indicated that an similar ban is "a potential measures in reserve".
• In Spain, the prime minister has asked parliament to pass a law lifting the access age for using social media to 16.
• In France, the president has floated the idea of a ban for those under fifteen, and a parliamentary commission has recommended a comparable step, including an overnight "screen time restriction" for older teenagers.
• The government in The Dutch government has advised guardians to restrict their kids from social media until 15.

For the broader EU, the bloc's legislature has passed a symbolic resolution supporting a ban for under-16s except if guardian approval is given. While it highlights of the "compulsive" design of these services, the resolution does not enact binding law.

"A strong age restriction is a solid foundation," commented the parliamentarian behind the resolution.

The UK: A Watchful Approach

In the UK, the leadership has not ruled out a future ban, arguing that "no option is being dismissed" but stressing any policy must be "grounded in conclusive research".

Earlier, momentum gathered behind a legislative effort to impose controls on social media use by teenagers, but it was eventually modified. However, the government pledged to further research the issue.

Campaign organizations have expressed warnings. A prominent charity founded by the relatives of a young person who died after viewing disturbing social media material contends that a simple age ban could fail to improve online safety and could lead to a "sudden drop-off" of exposure when teens reach the legal age.

"Australia's ban is a response to the inability of the social media companies to design platforms and apps that are appropriate and age appropriate for children," stated a influential peer.

The US: A Fragmented Landscape

In the United States, legislation is primarily happening at the local level against a backdrop of national inaction.

• The state of Utah mandates guardian permission for under-18s to use social media and limits overnight use.
• The state of Florida has enacted a law prohibiting under-14s from joining social media, though it is subject to legal challenges.
• Virginia has enacted a regulation capping teenagers to one hour of social media access per day, with additional use dependent on a guardian's okay.
• The state of Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have similarly enacted bills mandating guardian approval for teenagers to open social media presences.

Despite widespread concern and proposals from various figures to follow the Australian path, a US-wide ban is right now seen as improbable.

Worldwide Outlook

Outside of these regions, further countries are similarly taking action.

• The Malaysian government aims to prohibit social media for teenagers starting from next year.
• Brazil has lifted the required age for Instagram to 16.

But, world agencies take a more nuanced tone. Unicef has advised that blanket prohibitions have downsides and "may even backfire". The body notes that social networks can be a "lifeline" for marginalized children and that government action should not be a "replacement" for platform operators to improve safety.

While this global debate unfolds, the actions of this nation and others indicate that policymakers internationally are no longer prepared to delay for the industry to act voluntarily.