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The Australian bold policy to restrict social media access for individuals under sixteen is creating waves internationally. Officials, child protection groups, and parents are observing closely to see if this tactic will set a precedent for the rest of the world.

European Momentum

Across Europe, a growing chorus of nations are considering similar measures.

• The Danish government plans a restriction on social media for youth below 15, with the PM declaring that smartphones and apps are "robbing our children's childhood". A law is expected to be formalized in the coming year.
• The Norwegian government is set to implement a age restriction of 15, highlighting the need to protect young people from the "influence of the recommendation systems".
• Ireland is working on a online verification tool to verify the age and identity of social media account holders. The media minister have indicated that an Australian-model ban remains "a potential measures under consideration".
• In Spain, the leader has urged parliament to pass a law lifting the access age for joining social media to 16.
• In France, the head of state has threatened a ban for under-15s, and a legislative committee has recommended a related step, potentially involving an overnight "digital curfew" for older teenagers.
• The government in The Dutch government has advised parents to block their kids from social media before 15.

At the EU level, the European parliament has passed a advisory resolution calling for a ban for minors unless guardian approval is granted. While it cautions of the "addictive" quality of these platforms, the step does not create mandatory rules.

"A clear age limit is a useful foundation," said the MEP driving the resolution.

Britain: A Cautious Eye

In the UK, the leadership has kept open a possible ban, emphasizing that "no option is discarded" but maintaining any decision must be "based on robust research".

Last year, momentum built behind a legislative effort to enact restrictions on social media use by minors, but it was ultimately weakened. Instead, the administration committed to conduct more studies the issue.

Advocacy groups have expressed apprehensions. An organization set up by the loved ones of a girl who was lost after encountering harmful platform posts argues that a strict age ban might not improve online safety and could create a "sudden drop-off" of exposure when teens become eligible.

"This ban is a reaction to the refusal of the social media companies to build tools that are appropriate and fit for children," stated a influential child protection advocate.

America: A Fragmented Landscape

Stateside, regulation is largely happening at the local government level amid federal stalemate.

• The state of Utah mandates adult approval for under-18s to use social media and limits nighttime use.
• The state of Florida has signed a law prohibiting those below 14 from creating accounts on social media, though it faces constitutional disputes.
• Virginia has passed a regulation capping teenagers to one hour of social media time per day, with extra use dependent on adult consent.
• Georgia, Tennessee, and The state of Louisiana have similarly enacted laws demanding adult authorization for teenagers to create social media profiles.

Despite cross-party agreement and proposals from various politicians to mimic Australia's example, a nationwide ban is presently seen as unlikely.

Worldwide Views

Apart from Europe and the US, further states are also exploring options.

• Malaysia plans to restrict social media for under-16s effective next year.
• Brazil has lifted the minimum age for the platform Instagram to 16.

But, world organizations take a more cautious position. The UN children's agency has advised that blanket prohibitions carry risks and "could backfire". The agency notes that the internet can be a "lifeline" for isolated children and that government action should not be a "replacement" for platform operators to prioritize user protection.

While this worldwide conversation evolves, the steps of Australia and several other countries show that states around the world are increasingly content to delay for the industry to act voluntarily.