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The Australian decisive move to restrict social platforms access for individuals under sixteen is creating waves worldwide. Lawmakers, safety advocates, and guardians are monitoring intently to see if this tactic will set a precedent for the rest of the world.

Across Europe Movement

Throughout Europe, a increasing chorus of nations are moving toward comparable measures.

• Denmark has announced a restriction on social media for under-15s, with the leader stating that smartphones and networks are "taking away our children's youth". Legislation is expected to be enacted soon.
• The Norwegian government is set to enforce a age restriction of 15, pointing to the need to safeguard young people from the "power of the AI".
• The Irish government is developing a digital wallet to authenticate the age and identity of social media users. The media minister have suggested that an Australian-model ban remains "an tools on the table".
• In Spain, the leader has asked parliament to approve a law increasing the legal age for joining social media to 16.
• In France, the president has proposed a ban for those under fifteen, and a parliamentary commission has recommended a related step, including an overnight "internet blackout" for older teenagers.
• The administration in the Netherlands has advised parents to restrict their children from social media before 15.

For the broader EU, the European parliament has approved a advisory statement calling for a ban for under-16s without a parent decides otherwise is granted. Although it warns of the "compulsive" design of these services, the resolution does not create enforceable legislation.

"A strong age limit is a solid first step," said a leading European lawmaker driving the resolution.

Britain: A Cautious Eye

For the United Kingdom, the administration has remained open to a possible ban, stating that "no measure is off the table" but stressing any decision must be "grounded in conclusive evidence".

Last year, momentum gathered behind a bill to introduce restrictions on social media use by under-16s, but it was ultimately modified. However, the administration vowed to further research the issue.

Advocacy groups have voiced concerns. An organization set up by the family of a teenager who died after viewing dangerous online content argues that a blanket age ban could fail to protect children and could result in a "dangerous transition" of harm when young people reach the legal age.

"Australia's ban is a answer to the failure of the Silicon Valley to build platforms and apps that are appropriate and suitable for minors," said a leading peer.

The US: A State-by-State Approach

In the United States, action is primarily unfolding at the state level due to national stalemate.

• Utah demands guardian permission for under-18s to use social media and controls overnight use.
• Florida has signed a measure prohibiting those below 14 from creating accounts on social media, though it is entangled in constitutional disputes.
• Virginia has passed a regulation limiting teenagers to 60 minutes of social media access per day, with any further access needing a guardian's okay.
• Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have similarly enacted measures mandating adult authorization for teenagers to set up social media profiles.

Despite bipartisan support and suggestions from certain figures to mimic Australia's lead, a US-wide ban is right now seen as a distant prospect.

International Outlook

Apart from Europe and the US, other countries are similarly exploring options.

• Malaysia aims to ban social media for those under sixteen beginning next year.
• Brazil has increased the required age for Instagram to 16.

However, international organizations strike a more measured position. A major UN agency has advised that social media bans carry risks and "could have unintended consequences". The agency notes that online platforms can be a "vital connection" for isolated young people and that government action should not be a "excuse" for tech companies to invest in child safeguards.

Even as this international debate continues, the policies of this nation and its followers demonstrate that governments globally are no longer content to wait for the industry to act voluntarily.