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Australia's bold move to restrict social platforms access for young people below 16 is creating waves around the globe. Officials, child protection groups, and families are observing intently to see if this tactic will become a template for the rest of the world.

European Momentum

Across Europe, a increasing chorus of countries are exploring similar restrictions.

• Denmark has announced a ban on social media for children under fifteen, with the prime minister declaring that phones and apps are "taking away our youngsters' innocence". Legislation is expected to be passed in the coming year.
• Norway is preparing to introduce a access barrier of 15, citing the need to protect children from the "power of the AI".
• Ireland is introducing a digital ID system to verify the identity and age of social media account holders. The media minister have stated that an Australian-model ban could be "one of the measures in reserve".
• In Spain, the prime minister has asked lawmakers to approve a law increasing the minimum age for using social media to 16.
• In France, the head of state has floated the idea of a ban for those under fifteen, and a parliamentary commission has recommended a similar step, alongside an overnight "internet blackout" for adolescents.
• The government in the Netherlands has advised parents to restrict their kids from social media until 15.

Across the European Union, the EU parliament has passed a symbolic statement supporting a ban for under-16s unless a parent decides otherwise is given. While it warns of the "compulsive" nature of these services, the resolution does not establish enforceable legislation.

"An effective age limit is a solid foundation," commented a leading parliamentarian driving the measure.

Britain: A Watchful Eye

For the United Kingdom, the government has remained open to a future ban, arguing that "nothing is discarded" but insisting any policy must be "based on robust evidence".

Earlier, momentum grew behind a proposal to introduce restrictions on social media use by teenagers, but it was in the end weakened. However, the government pledged to further research the topic.

Campaign organizations have expressed apprehensions. An organization set up by the relatives of a girl who was lost after viewing harmful online content argues that a blanket age ban might not improve online safety and could lead to a "cliff edge" of risk when users turn 16.

"The Australian ban is a answer to the failure of the tech sector to create products and services that are safe and fit for children," stated a influential child protection advocate.

The US: A State-by-State Picture

Stateside, regulation is mostly occurring at the regional level amid national gridlock.

• The state of Utah demands parental consent for minors to use social media and restricts nighttime use.
• Florida has signed a bill prohibiting those below 14 from creating accounts on social media, though it faces constitutional disputes.
• The state of Virginia has passed a law limiting minors to a single hour of social media access per day, with extra access dependent on a guardian's okay.
• The state of Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have similarly enacted laws mandating adult authorization for teenagers to create social media profiles.

Despite widespread concern and calls from various politicians to mimic this example, a US-wide ban is currently seen as improbable.

Global Views

Apart from the West, other states are also taking action.

• Malaysia intends to restrict social media for teenagers beginning next year.
• The Brazilian authorities has lifted the access age for Instagram to 16.

But, global organizations adopt a more nuanced tone. A major UN agency has advised that blanket prohibitions have downsides and "might have unintended consequences". The body notes that online platforms can be a "vital connection" for isolated youth and that government action should not be a "excuse" for social media firms to invest in safety.

As this global conversation unfolds, the actions of the Australian government and others show that policymakers around the world are less and less willing to stand by for the industry to make changes on their own.