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The Australian controversial policy to prohibit social platforms access for those under 16 is creating waves around the globe. Lawmakers, child protection groups, and parents are watching with great interest to see if this tactic will set a precedent for the rest of the world.

Across Europe Trend

Throughout Europe, a rising number of nations are exploring comparable measures.

• Denmark has announced a restriction on social media for under-15s, with the leader stating that mobile devices and apps are "robbing our kids' innocence". A law may be enacted in the coming year.
• The Norwegian government is set to implement a age restriction of 15, pointing to the need to protect children from the "influence of the algorithms".
• The Irish government is working on a online verification tool to confirm the age and identity of social media users. Officials have stated that an similar ban could be "a potential measures in reserve".
• In The Spanish government, the prime minister has asked parliament to approve a bill raising the legal age for accessing social media to 16.
• In France, the head of state has threatened a ban for under-15s, and a government panel has suggested a related action, potentially involving an overnight "screen time restriction" for 15- to 18-year-olds.
• The administration in The Netherlands has recommended parents to prevent their children from social media before 15.

For the broader EU, the bloc's legislature has adopted a non-binding resolution calling for a ban for minors except if guardian approval is granted. Although it highlights of the "compulsive" design of these services, the resolution does not establish enforceable legislation.

"A strong age restriction is a solid first step," commented one European lawmaker supporting the measure.

The United Kingdom: An Evidence-Based Eye

In the UK, the government has remained open to a future ban, stating that "nothing is being dismissed" but insisting any action must be "grounded in conclusive research".

Earlier, momentum grew behind a proposal to introduce controls on social media use by minors, but it was eventually modified. Instead, the administration pledged to investigate the issue.

Charities have raised apprehensions. An organization established by the relatives of a girl who died after encountering harmful platform posts suggests that a strict age ban could fail to improve online safety and could result in a "cliff edge" of risk when young people reach the legal age.

"The Australian ban is a reaction to the inability of the social media companies to create tools that are safe and fit for children," stated a prominent online safety campaigner.

The US: A Fragmented Landscape

Across America, legislation is primarily occurring at the regional level against a backdrop of federal stalemate.

• Utah demands guardian permission for under-18s to use social media and controls nighttime use.
• The state of Florida has enacted a measure prohibiting children under fourteen from creating accounts on social media, though it faces legal challenges.
• Virginia has enacted a rule capping under-16s to one hour of social media time per day, with extra access dependent on parental permission.
• Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have similarly introduced bills demanding guardian approval for under-16s to open social media profiles.

Despite widespread concern and proposals from some figures to follow this path, a federal ban is right now seen as improbable.

Global Views

Outside of these regions, other states are also considering moves.

• Malaysia plans to restrict social media for teenagers effective next year.
• Brazil has lifted the access age for the platform Instagram to 16.

Yet, global organizations adopt a more cautious position. The UN children's agency has cautioned that age-based restrictions carry risks and "may even backfire". The body highlights that the internet can be a "critical link" for vulnerable children and that government action should not be a "substitute" for platform operators to invest in child safeguards.

While this international discussion continues, the steps of this nation and its followers indicate that governments around the world are no longer willing to delay for platforms to make changes on their own.