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The Australian controversial action to restrict social platforms access for individuals under sixteen is creating waves worldwide. Officials, safety advocates, and families are watching with great interest to see if this strategy will become a template for the rest of the world.

Across Europe Trend

Throughout Europe, a rising group of nations are exploring comparable bans.

• The Danish government plans a restriction on social media for children under fifteen, with the leader stating that smartphones and platforms are "taking away our children's childhood". Legislation could be enacted soon.
• The Norwegian government is planning to introduce a minimum age limit of 15, pointing to the need to shield children from the "influence of the recommendation systems".
• Ireland is introducing a online verification tool to verify the identity and age of social media account holders. Authorities have suggested that an Australian-model ban remains "one of the tools under consideration".
• In The Spanish government, the president has asked the legislature to approve a law increasing the access age for using social media to 16.
• In France, the president has proposed a ban for children below 15, and a legislative committee has suggested a similar action, potentially involving an overnight "digital curfew" for older teenagers.
• The authorities in The Netherlands has recommended guardians to restrict their kids from social media until 15.

For the broader EU, the European parliament has passed a advisory resolution supporting a ban for under-16s without a parent decides otherwise is granted. While it highlights of the "compulsive" quality of these apps, the move does not establish binding law.

"An effective age limit is a solid starting point," stated the MEP supporting the resolution.

Britain: A Watchful Approach

In the UK, the administration has not ruled out a potential ban, arguing that "no option is off the table" but stressing any policy must be "grounded in strong evidence".

Earlier, support grew behind a legislative effort to introduce restrictions on social media use by teenagers, but it was eventually watered down. However, the administration committed to investigate the topic.

Campaign organizations have raised apprehensions. An organization established by the loved ones of a girl who died after viewing harmful platform posts suggests that a blanket age ban could fail to improve online safety and could create a "dangerous transition" of risk when teens reach the legal age.

"The Australian ban is a reaction to the refusal of the Silicon Valley to create platforms and apps that are secure and age appropriate for young users," stated a leading online safety campaigner.

America: A Fragmented Landscape

Across America, legislation is mostly occurring at the regional government level against a backdrop of federal gridlock.

• The state of Utah demands guardian permission for those under 18 to use social media and restricts overnight use.
• Florida has signed a bill barring under-14s from accessing social media, though it faces legal challenges.
• Virginia has enacted a rule capping under-16s to one hour of social media time per day, with additional time needing a guardian's okay.
• The state of Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have likewise introduced bills requiring parental consent for teenagers to create social media presences.

Despite bipartisan support and calls from some figures to mimic Australia's lead, a federal ban is currently seen as a distant prospect.

Global Outlook

Apart from the West, further states are similarly taking action.

• The Malaysian government plans to restrict social media for under-16s starting from next year.
• Brazil has increased the minimum age for one major platform to 16.

However, international organizations take a more cautious stance. A major UN agency has advised that social media bans have downsides and "might prove counterproductive". The body highlights that online platforms can be a "lifeline" for vulnerable young people and that government action should not be a "excuse" for social media firms to improve child safeguards.

As this worldwide discussion evolves, the steps of the Australian government and its followers show that governments internationally are less and less content to delay for platforms to act voluntarily.