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The Australian bold move to restrict social platforms access for those under 16 is sending ripples internationally. Officials, child protection groups, and guardians are watching with great interest to see if this tactic will set a precedent for countries abroad.

The European Movement

In Europe, a increasing number of states are exploring similar measures.

• The Danish government has announced a restriction on social media for children under fifteen, with the prime minister arguing that mobile devices and platforms are "stealing our kids' childhood". The policy may be passed next year.
• Norway is planning to enforce a minimum age limit of 15, highlighting the need to safeguard children from the "manipulative force of the algorithms".
• Ireland is developing a online verification tool to verify the identity and age of social media account holders. The media minister have indicated that an Australian-model ban remains "a potential options in reserve".
• In Spain, the president has urged parliament to enact a proposal raising the legal age for joining social media to 16.
• In France, the president has threatened a ban for those under fifteen, and a government panel has recommended a related action, potentially involving an overnight "internet blackout" for 15- to 18-year-olds.
• The authorities in The Netherlands has urged families to prevent their kids from social media up to the age of 15.

At the EU level, the European parliament has adopted a advisory motion demanding a ban for under-16s except if a parent decides otherwise is granted. Although it cautions of the "habit-forming" design of these services, the resolution does not enact binding law.

"An effective age barrier is a useful first step," commented a leading parliamentarian supporting the initiative.

The United Kingdom: A Cautious Approach

For the United Kingdom, the leadership has remained open to a potential ban, stating that "nothing is discarded" but maintaining any policy must be "based on strong evidence".

Last year, interest built behind a proposal to enact restrictions on social media use by under-16s, but it was eventually weakened. However, the administration vowed to conduct more studies the topic.

Campaign organizations have raised warnings. One foundation founded by the loved ones of a teenager who died after being exposed to disturbing online content contends that a blanket age ban may not make platforms safer and could create a "sudden drop-off" of risk when users become eligible.

"Australia's ban is a response to the refusal of the tech sector to create platforms and apps that are secure and age appropriate for children," stated a leading online safety campaigner.

America: A State-by-State Approach

Stateside, legislation is primarily happening at the state government level due to federal inaction.

• Utah requires guardian permission for minors to use social media and restricts overnight use.
• Florida has signed a law barring children under fourteen from creating accounts on social media, though it is entangled in court battles.
• The state of Virginia has passed a rule restricting minors to 60 minutes of social media use per day, with extra access requiring parental permission.
• Georgia, Tennessee, and The state of Louisiana have likewise introduced bills requiring guardian approval for teenagers to create social media profiles.

Despite cross-party agreement and suggestions from some figures to follow this example, a federal ban is right now seen as improbable.

Worldwide Perspectives

Apart from these regions, further countries are likewise considering moves.

• Malaysia aims to ban social media for those under sixteen effective next year.
• Brazil has increased the minimum age for Instagram to 16.

Yet, world organizations adopt a more nuanced tone. A major UN agency has warned that blanket prohibitions have downsides and "may even have unintended consequences". The organization points out that social networks can be a "lifeline" for isolated children and that bans should not be a "excuse" for platform operators to invest in user protection.

As this worldwide discussion evolves, the steps of this nation and several other countries show that governments internationally are increasingly prepared to stand by for tech companies to act voluntarily.