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The Australian controversial action to prohibit social platforms access for those under 16 is sending ripples around the globe. Lawmakers, safety advocates, and families are observing with great interest to see if this approach will inspire imitation for countries abroad.

The European Movement

Throughout Europe, a growing chorus of states are exploring parallel restrictions.

• Denmark has stated a restriction on social media for under-15s, with the PM arguing that mobile devices and platforms are "taking away our youngsters' innocence". A law may be passed soon.
• Norway is preparing to implement a age restriction of 15, highlighting the need to safeguard children from the "power of the recommendation systems".
• Ireland is working on a digital wallet to verify the user details of social media users. Authorities have stated that an Australian-model ban remains "a potential tools in reserve".
• In The Spanish government, the president has urged lawmakers to enact a law increasing the legal age for accessing social media to 16.
• In France, the head of state has proposed a ban for under-15s, and a parliamentary commission has suggested a comparable action, potentially involving an overnight "screen time restriction" for 15- to 18-year-olds.
• The authorities in The Dutch government has recommended families to block their children from social media until 15.

At the EU level, the European parliament has adopted a non-binding motion supporting a ban for teenagers under 16 except if guardian approval is provided. Although it cautions of the "addictive" nature of these platforms, the step does not enact binding law.

"A strong age restriction is a useful first step," commented the parliamentarian driving the measure.

Britain: A Cautious Stance

For the United Kingdom, the leadership has remained open to a possible ban, emphasizing that "no measure is discarded" but maintaining any policy must be "supported by conclusive data".

Previously, support gathered behind a legislative effort to impose controls on social media use by teenagers, but it was in the end modified. However, the administration committed to conduct more studies the matter.

Campaign organizations have expressed warnings. One foundation set up by the loved ones of a girl who died after viewing disturbing online content contends that a blanket age ban could fail to make platforms safer and could result in a "dangerous transition" of exposure when teens reach the legal age.

"Australia's ban is a reaction to the inability of the Silicon Valley to create products and services that are safe and age appropriate for young users," commented a prominent online safety campaigner.

The US: A Fragmented Landscape

Across America, legislation is mostly occurring at the local level amid country-wide inaction.

• The state of Utah requires guardian permission for under-18s to use social media and controls late-night use.
• The state of Florida has signed a measure barring children under fourteen from creating accounts on social media, though it is entangled in legal challenges.
• Virginia has passed a law limiting teenagers to 60 minutes of social media time per day, with any further use dependent on parental permission.
• Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have likewise introduced bills requiring parental consent for teenagers to set up social media profiles.

Even with widespread concern and suggestions from various politicians to mimic Australia's path, a US-wide ban is currently seen as a distant prospect.

International Outlook

Beyond the West, further nations are likewise considering moves.

• Malaysia intends to prohibit social media for those under sixteen beginning next year.
• Brazil has raised the minimum age for Instagram to 16.

Yet, world bodies take a more nuanced stance. The UN children's agency has warned that blanket prohibitions pose dangers and "might backfire". The body highlights that online platforms can be a "lifeline" for marginalized children and that bans should not be a "replacement" for social media firms to prioritize child safeguards.

While this worldwide conversation continues, the policies of this nation and others demonstrate that states around the world are increasingly content to wait for the industry to make changes on their own.