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The Australian decisive action to prohibit social platforms access for young people below 16 is creating waves internationally. Officials, safety advocates, and families are watching intently to see if this approach will become a template for other nations.

Across Europe Momentum

Throughout Europe, a rising chorus of nations are moving toward parallel restrictions.

• Denmark has stated a prohibition on social media for under-15s, with the PM arguing that mobile devices and networks are "taking away our kids' innocence". Legislation may be passed next year.
• Norway is planning to implement a minimum age limit of 15, highlighting the need to protect children from the "power of the algorithms".
• Ireland is developing a digital ID system to confirm the age and identity of social media account holders. Officials have indicated that an Australia-style ban remains "one of the tools in reserve".
• In Spain, the leader has asked parliament to enact a law increasing the minimum age for using social media to 16.
• In France, the president has proposed a ban for children below 15, and a legislative committee has endorsed a similar action, alongside an overnight "screen time restriction" for adolescents.
• The authorities in The Netherlands has urged parents to prevent their youngsters from social media until 15.

For the broader EU, the European parliament has approved a non-binding resolution supporting a ban for teenagers under 16 except if guardian approval is granted. While it cautions of the "habit-forming" nature of these services, the resolution does not create binding law.

"A strong age restriction is a useful first step," stated the parliamentarian supporting the initiative.

Britain: An Evidence-Based Approach

For the United Kingdom, the government has remained open to a future ban, emphasizing that "no option is discarded" but insisting any policy must be "supported by robust evidence".

Last year, support grew behind a proposal to enact limits on social media use by minors, but it was in the end weakened. Instead, the government committed to further research the matter.

Charities have expressed concerns. One foundation founded by the family of a girl who died after being exposed to disturbing platform posts contends that a strict age ban may not improve online safety and could result in a "cliff edge" of exposure when teens reach the legal age.

"The Australian ban is a answer to the inability of the Silicon Valley to build products and services that are appropriate and fit for children," commented a influential peer.

America: A Fragmented Landscape

Across America, regulation is mostly unfolding at the state level against a backdrop of country-wide inaction.

• Utah demands guardian permission for those under 18 to use social media and controls overnight use.
• Florida has signed a measure barring under-14s from accessing social media, though it is entangled in constitutional disputes.
• Virginia has approved a regulation restricting under-16s to 60 minutes of social media use per day, with extra use requiring parental permission.
• The state of Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have similarly introduced laws demanding parental consent for minors to create social media accounts.

Even with bipartisan support and proposals from some figures to follow Australia's example, a US-wide ban is right now seen as improbable.

Global Views

Outside of the West, further nations are similarly considering moves.

• The Malaysian government plans to prohibit social media for under-16s beginning next year.
• The Brazilian authorities has lifted the required age for Instagram to 16.

But, international agencies adopt a more measured tone. Unicef has cautioned that age-based restrictions carry risks and "could prove counterproductive". The organization points out that social networks can be a "vital connection" for marginalized young people and that government action should not be a "replacement" for social media firms to improve child safeguards.

As this international discussion continues, the actions of Australia and its followers indicate that policymakers around the world are no longer prepared to stand by for the industry to make changes on their own.