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Australia's controversial action to restrict social platforms access for young people below 16 is sending ripples internationally. Officials, child protection groups, and parents are monitoring intently to see if this approach will set a precedent for countries abroad.

Across Europe Momentum

Throughout Europe, a rising number of states are considering similar measures.

• The Danish government plans a ban on social media for youth below 15, with the leader stating that smartphones and networks are "stealing our youngsters' childhood". A law could be passed soon.
• Norway is preparing to implement a access barrier of 15, citing the need to protect the young from the "power of the AI".
• The Irish government is introducing a digital wallet to authenticate the age and identity of social media account holders. Authorities have indicated that an similar ban could be "one of the measures on the table".
• In The Spanish government, the prime minister has urged the legislature to pass a law lifting the access age for accessing social media to 16.
• In The French government, the leader has proposed a ban for children below 15, and a legislative committee has suggested a similar step, alongside an overnight "internet blackout" for adolescents.
• The administration in The Netherlands has recommended parents to restrict their children from social media before 15.

Across the European Union, the EU parliament has adopted a symbolic resolution calling for a ban for minors unless a parent decides otherwise is provided. Even though it cautions of the "compulsive" nature of these apps, the move does not create mandatory rules.

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

The UK: A Watchful Stance

Across Britain, the leadership has not ruled out a future ban, arguing that "no option is off the table" but maintaining any action must be "grounded in robust research".

Previously, support built behind a legislative effort to enact controls on social media use by minors, but it was in the end modified. Instead, the administration committed to investigate the topic.

Charities have raised concerns. A prominent charity established by the relatives of a girl who was lost after encountering dangerous online content suggests that a simple age ban might not make platforms safer and could lead to a "sudden drop-off" of exposure when young people reach the legal age.

"The Australian ban is a response to the inability of the Silicon Valley to create products and services that are secure and fit for minors," commented a leading peer.

The United States: A Fragmented Approach

Across America, regulation is mostly unfolding at the local government level amid national stalemate.

• Utah requires parental consent for minors to use social media and restricts overnight use.
• Florida has enacted a measure prohibiting under-14s from joining social media, though it is entangled in constitutional disputes.
• Virginia has approved a regulation restricting teenagers to one hour of social media access per day, with any further access needing a guardian's okay.
• Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and Louisiana have also passed bills demanding parental consent for under-16s to open social media presences.

Despite bipartisan support and suggestions from some politicians to copy the Australian path, a nationwide ban is right now seen as a distant prospect.

Worldwide Outlook

Apart from the West, additional countries are likewise taking action.

• Malaysia intends to prohibit social media for under-16s beginning next year.
• Brazil has lifted the minimum age for Instagram to 16.

But, world organizations take a more measured tone. Unicef has advised that blanket prohibitions carry risks and "could backfire". The agency highlights that online platforms can be a "lifeline" for vulnerable youth and that government action should not be a "replacement" for tech companies to prioritize user protection.

While this worldwide debate unfolds, the steps of Australia and several other countries demonstrate that governments globally are increasingly content to wait for the industry to self-regulate.