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Australia's controversial action to restrict social platforms access for individuals under sixteen is creating waves internationally. Lawmakers, child protection groups, and families are monitoring intently to see if this tactic will inspire imitation for other nations.

Across Europe Trend

Across Europe, a increasing group of states are exploring similar measures.

• Denmark has announced a restriction on social media for under-15s, with the PM arguing that mobile devices and apps are "robbing our kids' innocence". Legislation may be passed in the coming year.
• Norway is preparing to introduce a access barrier of 15, pointing to the need to protect the young from the "manipulative force of the AI".
• Ireland is working on a online verification tool to authenticate the identity and age of social media participants. Officials have indicated that an similar ban could be "one of the tools on the table".
• In Spain, the president has asked lawmakers to pass a bill raising the access age for accessing social media to 16.
• In France, the president has proposed a ban for those under fifteen, and a parliamentary commission has suggested a related move, including an overnight "internet blackout" for older teenagers.
• The administration in The Dutch government has urged families to block their kids from social media until 15.

For the broader EU, the bloc's legislature has passed a non-binding statement calling for a ban for under-16s unless a parent decides otherwise is granted. Although it warns of the "habit-forming" quality of these services, the move does not enact binding law.

"A clear age limit is a good starting point," stated a leading MEP behind the resolution.

The United Kingdom: A Cautious Stance

For the United Kingdom, the leadership has kept open a possible ban, arguing that "no measure is being dismissed" but stressing any decision must be "grounded in robust evidence".

Previously, interest built behind a proposal to impose restrictions on social media use by under-16s, but it was ultimately weakened. Instead, the administration pledged to conduct more studies the issue.

Advocacy groups have voiced warnings. A prominent charity set up by the relatives of a girl who took her own life after viewing dangerous online content suggests that a simple age ban could fail to 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 social media companies to build products and services that are appropriate and fit for young users," commented a leading child protection advocate.

The US: A State-by-State Approach

In the United States, legislation is primarily unfolding at the state level amid federal stalemate.

• The state of Utah demands guardian permission for under-18s to use social media and controls overnight use.
• Florida has passed a measure barring under-14s from accessing social media, though it is entangled in court battles.
• The state of Virginia has passed a rule restricting teenagers to a single hour of social media access per day, with any further time requiring parental permission.
• Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and The state of Louisiana have similarly passed laws demanding adult authorization for minors to create social media accounts.

Even with widespread concern and calls from some figures to follow the Australian lead, a federal ban is presently seen as unlikely.

Worldwide Outlook

Apart from the West, other states are likewise exploring options.

• The Malaysian government intends to restrict social media for under-16s effective next year.
• The Brazilian authorities has increased the access age for one major platform to 16.

However, international bodies take a more measured stance. The UN children's agency has warned that age-based restrictions carry risks and "could backfire". The body highlights that the internet can be a "vital connection" for marginalized youth and that government action should not be a "replacement" for tech companies to invest in safety.

Even as this global discussion unfolds, the policies of the Australian government and its followers indicate that policymakers around the world are increasingly willing to delay for platforms to make changes on their own.