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The Australian controversial policy to restrict social platforms access for young people below 16 is creating waves worldwide. Lawmakers, safety advocates, and guardians are watching closely to see if this tactic will become a template for other nations.

The European Momentum

Throughout Europe, a rising group of countries are moving toward similar bans.

• The Danish government has announced a restriction on social media for youth below 15, with the leader declaring that mobile devices and networks are "robbing our kids' youth". A law could be formalized in the coming year.
• Norway is preparing to introduce a access barrier of 15, citing the need to shield the young from the "power of the AI".
• The Irish government is developing a digital wallet to verify the age and identity of social media users. The media minister have stated that an Australia-style ban is "an options under consideration".
• In Spain, the leader has called on the legislature to pass a law lifting the minimum age for accessing social media to 16.
• In France, the president has proposed a ban for under-15s, and a legislative committee has suggested a similar action, alongside an overnight "digital curfew" for 15- to 18-year-olds.
• The authorities in the Netherlands has urged parents to prevent their children from social media before 15.

For the broader EU, the bloc's legislature has passed a non-binding statement calling for a ban for minors unless guardian approval is provided. Even though it highlights of the "addictive" design of these platforms, the move does not enact mandatory rules.

"An effective age limit is a useful starting point," stated one MEP supporting the measure.

The UK: An Evidence-Based Approach

Across Britain, the government has kept open a potential ban, arguing that "no measure is being dismissed" but stressing any decision must be "supported by conclusive research".

Previously, momentum gathered behind a proposal to enact restrictions on social media use by minors, but it was in the end modified. Nonetheless, the government vowed to further research the topic.

Charities have expressed warnings. One foundation established by the relatives of a girl who died after encountering disturbing platform posts contends that a simple age ban could fail to make platforms safer and could create a "cliff edge" of harm when young people turn 16.

"This ban is a reaction to the inability of the social media companies to build products and services that are safe and age appropriate for minors," stated a leading child protection advocate.

The US: A Fragmented Approach

Across America, action is primarily happening at the local government level due to national gridlock.

• Utah mandates adult approval for minors to use social media and restricts overnight use.
• Florida has enacted a measure barring those below 14 from accessing social media, though it faces constitutional disputes.
• Virginia has approved a rule limiting under-16s to one hour of social media use per day, with extra use dependent on adult consent.
• Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have likewise introduced laws requiring adult authorization for under-16s to create social media profiles.

Even with cross-party agreement and suggestions from certain individuals to follow Australia's example, a US-wide ban is currently seen as improbable.

Worldwide Views

Beyond these regions, further nations are also taking action.

• Malaysia aims to prohibit social media for teenagers beginning next year.
• Brazil has increased the access age for Instagram to 16.

However, world organizations adopt a more cautious stance. A major UN agency has warned that social media bans pose dangers and "may even prove counterproductive". The body notes that online platforms can be a "lifeline" for vulnerable youth and that regulation should not be a "excuse" for tech companies to invest in safety.

While this international debate continues, the actions of this nation and several other countries show that states around the world are no longer prepared to stand by for platforms to make changes on their own.