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Australia's bold policy to restrict social platforms access for young people below 16 is creating waves around the globe. Officials, safety advocates, and families are observing intently to see if this strategy will inspire imitation for countries abroad.

Across Europe Movement

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

• Denmark has stated a restriction on social media for under-15s, with the PM arguing that phones and networks are "stealing our youngsters' youth". Legislation is expected to be formalized in the coming year.
• Norway is planning to enforce a minimum age limit of 15, highlighting the need to shield young people from the "influence of the recommendation systems".
• Ireland is developing a digital wallet to authenticate the identity and age of social media account holders. The media minister have suggested that an similar ban could be "one of the options on the table".
• In Spain, the president has asked parliament to approve a law increasing the minimum age for using social media to 16.
• In France, the president has threatened a ban for those under fifteen, and a government panel has recommended a similar action, alongside an overnight "internet blackout" for adolescents.
• The authorities in The Dutch government has urged parents to restrict their children from social media up to the age of 15.

Across the European Union, the European parliament has passed a non-binding statement demanding a ban for under-16s except if guardian approval is provided. Even though it warns of the "compulsive" quality of these apps, the step does not create enforceable legislation.

"A clear age limit is a useful starting point," commented the parliamentarian supporting the initiative.

The UK: An Evidence-Based Approach

Across Britain, the administration has not ruled out a future ban, stating that "no option is off the table" but stressing any policy must be "supported by conclusive research".

Earlier, support grew behind a legislative effort to enact controls on social media use by teenagers, but it was eventually weakened. Nonetheless, the administration pledged to conduct more studies the issue.

Advocacy groups have voiced concerns. An organization founded by the relatives of a girl who took her own life after being exposed to disturbing platform posts contends that a strict age ban may not make platforms safer and could lead to a "dangerous transition" of exposure when young people turn 16.

"This ban is a reaction to the failure of the social media companies to design tools that are secure and age appropriate for children," commented a leading online safety campaigner.

The United States: A Decentralized Landscape

Stateside, regulation is largely happening at the regional level amid national inaction.

• The state of Utah requires parental consent for minors to use social media and restricts late-night use.
• Florida has enacted a bill banning those below 14 from joining social media, though it is subject to constitutional disputes.
• Virginia has approved a regulation capping minors to 60 minutes of social media use per day, with extra use requiring parental permission.
• Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have similarly passed laws mandating guardian approval for under-16s to create social media profiles.

Despite bipartisan support and suggestions from various figures to copy the Australian lead, a nationwide ban is presently seen as improbable.

International Perspectives

Outside of Europe and the US, other countries are likewise considering moves.

• The Malaysian government intends to restrict social media for teenagers starting from next year.
• The Brazilian authorities has lifted the access age for the platform Instagram to 16.

Yet, global organizations strike a more nuanced stance. The UN children's agency has warned that social media bans have downsides and "might prove counterproductive". The organization highlights that the internet can be a "critical link" for isolated youth and that regulation should not be a "replacement" for tech companies to invest in safety.

While this global conversation unfolds, the steps of the Australian government and several other countries indicate that states internationally are no longer willing to stand by for tech companies to act voluntarily.