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Australia's decisive move to restrict social platforms access for individuals under sixteen is sparking debate worldwide. Officials, safety advocates, and guardians are monitoring intently to see if this strategy will set a precedent for the rest of the world.

Across Europe Trend

In Europe, a increasing chorus of states are moving toward parallel measures.

• The Danish government plans a restriction on social media for under-15s, with the leader arguing that mobile devices and networks are "stealing our children's youth". A law is expected to be passed in the coming year.
• The Norwegian government is preparing to introduce a minimum age limit of 15, citing the need to safeguard young people from the "influence of the AI".
• The Irish government is introducing a online verification tool to verify the age and identity of social media users. Officials have indicated that an Australia-style ban is "one of the tools in reserve".
• In Spain, the leader has urged parliament to pass a bill raising the legal age for using social media to 16.
• In France, the president has threatened a ban for under-15s, and a legislative committee has suggested a similar move, including an overnight "internet blackout" for older teenagers.
• The government in the Netherlands has urged parents to prevent their kids from social media up to the age of 15.

For the broader EU, the European parliament has adopted a symbolic motion calling for a ban for teenagers under 16 without parental consent is granted. Even though it warns of the "addictive" nature of these apps, the resolution does not enact binding law.

"A strong age limit is a good starting point," said one parliamentarian driving the initiative.

The United Kingdom: A Watchful Stance

For the United Kingdom, the administration has not ruled out a possible ban, emphasizing that "nothing is being dismissed" but insisting any action must be "based on strong research".

Last year, interest gathered behind a bill to introduce restrictions on social media use by under-16s, but it was in the end weakened. Instead, the government vowed to investigate the topic.

Charities have raised concerns. A prominent charity set up by the loved ones of a teenager who died after viewing harmful platform posts argues that a strict age ban may not make platforms safer and could result in a "cliff edge" of harm when teens become eligible.

"This ban is a reaction to the failure of the social media companies to build tools that are appropriate and suitable for young users," said a prominent online safety campaigner.

America: A Decentralized Picture

Across America, legislation is mostly happening at the state level due to national inaction.

• The state of Utah requires guardian permission for under-18s to use social media and restricts late-night use.
• The state of Florida has signed a law prohibiting those below 14 from creating accounts on social media, though it is entangled in court battles.
• The state of Virginia has passed a rule limiting teenagers to a single hour of social media time per day, with extra use needing parental permission.
• Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and Louisiana have similarly enacted bills mandating guardian approval for minors to open social media accounts.

Despite cross-party agreement and calls from certain individuals to follow the Australian lead, a nationwide ban is presently seen as improbable.

International Perspectives

Apart from Europe and the US, other states are likewise exploring options.

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

Yet, international organizations adopt a more nuanced position. Unicef has advised that blanket prohibitions have downsides and "may even prove counterproductive". The organization notes that the internet can be a "lifeline" for isolated youth and that bans should not be a "replacement" for tech companies to improve child safeguards.

Even as this global debate continues, the actions of this nation and its followers indicate that governments globally are no longer willing to stand by for the industry to act voluntarily.