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Australia's bold policy to prohibit social platforms access for those under 16 is sending ripples internationally. Politicians, campaigners, and parents are watching intently to see if this tactic will inspire imitation for countries abroad.

Across Europe Movement

In Europe, a growing group of states are exploring similar restrictions.

• Denmark has stated a prohibition on social media for under-15s, with the prime minister arguing that smartphones and networks are "robbing our youngsters' childhood". Legislation could be formalized in the coming year.
• The Norwegian government is planning to enforce a minimum age limit of 15, highlighting the need to safeguard young people from the "power of the AI".
• Ireland is developing a digital wallet to confirm the identity and age of social media users. Authorities have stated that an Australian-model ban remains "an measures in reserve".
• In The Spanish government, the leader has urged lawmakers to pass a law increasing the access age for joining social media to 16.
• In The French government, the president has proposed a ban for under-15s, and a government panel has endorsed a comparable move, potentially involving an overnight "digital curfew" for adolescents.
• The government in The Dutch government has recommended parents to block their children from social media up to the age of 15.

For the broader EU, the European parliament has adopted a non-binding resolution demanding a ban for minors except if guardian approval is granted. Although it cautions of the "habit-forming" nature of these services, the move does not create binding law.

"An effective age restriction is a useful foundation," stated a leading MEP driving the initiative.

The United Kingdom: A Watchful Approach

For the United Kingdom, the administration has kept open a possible ban, emphasizing that "nothing is being dismissed" but maintaining any policy must be "grounded in conclusive evidence".

Previously, interest grew behind a proposal to enact controls on social media use by teenagers, but it was ultimately weakened. Instead, the administration pledged to further research the topic.

Campaign organizations have voiced warnings. One foundation established by the loved ones of a girl who took her own life after encountering disturbing social media material argues that a strict age ban could fail to protect children and could lead to a "dangerous transition" of harm when teens turn 16.

"The Australian ban is a answer to the refusal of the Silicon Valley to create tools that are safe and suitable for young users," commented a leading child protection advocate.

The United States: A Decentralized Approach

In the United States, regulation is primarily unfolding at the local government level due to country-wide gridlock.

• The state of Utah requires guardian permission for those under 18 to use social media and limits nighttime use.
• Florida has enacted a bill prohibiting children under fourteen from creating accounts on social media, though it is entangled in court battles.
• Virginia has passed a regulation restricting minors to 60 minutes of social media use per day, with extra access needing a guardian's okay.
• Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and The state of Louisiana have likewise enacted bills requiring adult authorization for minors to set up social media profiles.

Even with widespread concern and proposals from certain politicians to copy the Australian lead, a US-wide ban is presently seen as unlikely.

Global Views

Outside of these regions, other countries are likewise taking action.

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

Yet, international agencies take a more nuanced stance. The UN children's agency has warned that blanket prohibitions have downsides and "might backfire". The organization points out that the internet can be a "critical link" for vulnerable children and that regulation should not be a "replacement" for tech companies to prioritize safety.

Even as this worldwide discussion unfolds, the policies of Australia and several other countries show that policymakers internationally are less and less willing to delay for tech companies to self-regulate.