Eligible Australian seniors receiving the Age Pension through Centrelink will see updated payment rates from February 12, 2026. This adjustment, part of regular indexation, means single pensioners can receive up to $1,178.70 per fortnight, while couples may receive up to $1,777 per fortnight combined, aiming to help manage rising living costs.
President Javier Milei's government is pushing to lower Argentina's age of criminal responsibility from 16 to 13 or 14. The bill, formally incorporated via Decree 53/2026, will be debated in extraordinary sessions of Congress starting February 2, sparking renewed debate over juvenile justice and public safety.
The Argentine government has formally expanded the agenda for extraordinary congressional sessions to include a debate on changes to the juvenile criminal regime. The proposal, backed by Justice Minister Mariano Cúneo Libarona and Security Minister Patricia Bullrich, seeks to lower the age of criminal responsibility from the current 16, with a consensus draft bill aiming for 14 years old.
French President Emmanuel Macron has announced plans to fast-track legislation that would ban social media access for children under 15, aiming for implementation by September 2026. The move seeks to protect minors from online risks and manipulation, building on existing efforts to regulate digital platforms.
France is advancing legislation to prohibit social media access for children under 15, with debates beginning in January 2026 and potential implementation by September 2026. Backed by President Emmanuel Macron, the move addresses growing concerns over youth mental health, cyberbullying, and exposure to inappropriate content, following Australia's recent similar ban for under-16s.
Over 60 Labour MPs have written to Sir Keir Starmer, advocating for a social media ban for under-16s in the UK, citing concerns over unregulated and addictive platforms. The move comes as the government launches a consultation and a crucial vote looms in the House of Lords on a similar amendment.
A petition signed by over 130,000 people has prompted UK MPs to debate a ban on social media for children under 16. Prime Minister Keir Starmer indicates the government is now 'open' to such restrictions, citing concerns over mental health and online harms, and is examining Australia's approach.
The Catholic Church in Austria has introduced a new formation program, 'Zweiten Weg für Spätberufene' (Second Pathway for Late Vocations), for men aged 45 to 60. Announced on January 5, 2026, by the Conference of Rectors of Austrian Seminaries, the initiative allows candidates to pursue priestly training, including theological studies and seminary formation, while continuing their secular employment, addressing the ongoing shortage of priests.
The United Arab Emirates has officially reduced the legal age of maturity from 21 lunar years to 18 Gregorian years, effective early 2026. This landmark reform, part of a new Federal Decree-Law, aims to empower young adults, streamline legal processes, and align the nation's civil laws with international norms.
A new national survey in Iceland reveals that 70% of respondents back a ban on social media for children under 16. The findings come amidst ongoing parliamentary discussions and a global trend towards stricter digital regulations for minors.
The remote Italian village of Pagliara dei Marsi, in the Abruzzo region, has welcomed its first baby in almost 30 years. Lara Bussi Trabucco's birth has increased the village's population to approximately 20, bringing joy and hope amidst Italy's ongoing demographic decline.
The United Arab Emirates has issued a new federal decree-law to protect children from online risks and harmful digital content. The legislation mandates strict obligations for digital platforms and internet service providers, establishes a Child Digital Safety Council, and outlines caregiver responsibilities, aligning with the UAE's 2026 'Year of Family' initiative.
Brazil's Supreme Federal Court (STF) has scheduled a crucial trial for December 18, 2025, to deliberate on changes to special retirement benefits. The court will consider overturning the minimum age requirement for special retirement, reinstating full benefits, and allowing the conversion of special service time into common time, potentially impacting millions of Brazilians.
Germany has amended its Citizenship Act, reinforcing the link between naturalisation and sustainable integration. The standard residency requirement for citizenship is now five years, following the recent abolition of a fast-track three-year option introduced in 2024. Dual citizenship remains permissible under the updated law.
Romania's government has advanced controversial legislation to reform magistrates' pensions, aiming to raise the retirement age to 65 and increase the service length to 35 years. The move, crucial for unlocking EU funds, comes after a previous bill was rejected by the Constitutional Court and despite a negative opinion from the Superior Council of Magistracy.
Australia is set to enforce a landmark ban on social media access for children under 16 from December 10, 2025. The Online Safety Amendment (Social Media Minimum Age) Bill 2024 mandates platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and YouTube to prevent underage accounts, with fines up to $49.5 million for non-compliance, aiming to protect youth from online harm.
Estonia's parliament, the Riigikogu, has revised labor laws, allowing 15- to 17-year-olds who have completed basic school to work up to 40 hours a week. This change reverses recent restrictions and aims to support youth employment and provide initial work experience.
Turkish President Recep Tayyip Erdogan has called on families to have 'at least four or five children,' escalating his long-standing campaign for population growth. He warned that the nation's declining fertility rate, currently at 1.48 children per woman, poses a serious threat to Turkey's future and global ambitions. This comes as the government implements financial incentives and designates 2025 as the 'Year of the Family' to counter the demographic shift.
The Danish government has announced plans to ban social media access for children under 15, with parental consent allowing access from age 13 after a specific assessment. This measure aims to protect youth from harmful content, online advertising, and negative mental health impacts, with enforcement planned through age verification and potential EU fines for non-compliance.
Lithuania has implemented comprehensive new gambling regulations effective November 1, 2025, uniformly raising the minimum age for all gambling activities to 21. The reforms introduce stringent safety measures, including mandatory operator intervention for high-risk players, spending limits, and a phased advertising ban, aiming to curb harmful play and enhance player protection.
