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Australia's bold action to restrict social platforms access for young people below 16 is creating waves internationally. Officials, campaigners, and guardians are observing closely to see if this approach will become a template for countries abroad.

European Momentum

In Europe, a increasing chorus of countries are moving toward comparable bans.

• The Danish government has announced a ban on social media for children under fifteen, with the leader stating that smartphones and apps are "stealing our kids' youth". The policy is expected to be formalized soon.
• Norway is planning to implement a age restriction of 15, citing the need to protect children from the "power of the recommendation systems".
• Ireland is introducing a digital wallet to confirm the age and identity of social media participants. The media minister have stated that an Australian-model ban could be "one of the measures under consideration".
• In Spain, the president has urged the legislature to pass a law lifting the minimum age for using social media to 16.
• In France, the president has floated the idea of a ban for those under fifteen, and a parliamentary commission has endorsed a similar action, including an overnight "screen time restriction" for older teenagers.
• The government in The Netherlands has urged parents to restrict their kids from social media until 15.

At the EU level, the bloc's legislature has adopted a advisory resolution calling for a ban for under-16s without parental consent is given. While it highlights of the "habit-forming" nature of these apps, the step does not enact binding law.

"A clear age barrier is a useful starting point," commented the MEP behind the resolution.

The United Kingdom: A Watchful Approach

For the United Kingdom, the leadership has not ruled out a possible ban, stating that "nothing is off the table" but stressing any action must be "based on strong data".

Previously, interest gathered behind a bill to introduce controls on social media use by under-16s, but it was eventually modified. Nonetheless, the government vowed to investigate the issue.

Campaign organizations have voiced warnings. One foundation established by the loved ones of a young person who was lost after encountering disturbing social media material contends that a simple age ban could fail to protect children and could result in a "sudden drop-off" of exposure when users become eligible.

"This ban is a reaction to the refusal of the social media companies to design platforms and apps that are secure and age appropriate for minors," commented a prominent peer.

The US: A Fragmented Approach

In the United States, legislation is mostly happening at the state government level amid national gridlock.

• Utah demands guardian permission for minors to use social media and limits late-night use.
• Florida has signed a bill barring children under fourteen from joining social media, though it is subject to legal challenges.
• Virginia has enacted a law limiting under-16s to 60 minutes of social media time per day, with extra time requiring parental permission.
• The state of Georgia, Tennessee, and The state of Louisiana have also introduced bills mandating guardian approval for minors to open social media profiles.

Despite widespread concern and calls from certain figures to mimic this example, a federal ban is currently seen as improbable.

International Outlook

Outside of the West, further countries are likewise taking action.

• The Malaysian government aims to ban social media for teenagers effective next year.
• Brazil has lifted the required age for the platform Instagram to 16.

Yet, international agencies adopt a more nuanced position. The UN children's agency has advised that social media bans pose dangers and "might prove counterproductive". The body highlights that online platforms can be a "lifeline" for isolated youth and that government action should not be a "excuse" for platform operators to invest in safety.

Even as this worldwide discussion continues, the steps of this nation and its followers demonstrate that governments globally are less and less content to wait for platforms to make changes on their own.