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The Australian bold move to restrict social platforms access for those under 16 is creating waves around the globe. Lawmakers, safety advocates, and families are observing closely to see if this tactic will set a precedent for the rest of the world.

The European Momentum

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

• The Danish government has stated a prohibition on social media for youth below 15, with the PM arguing that smartphones and apps are "robbing our kids' innocence". The policy may be enacted in the coming year.
• Norway is preparing to enforce a access barrier of 15, citing the need to shield the young from the "power of the recommendation systems".
• Ireland is introducing a online verification tool to verify the user details of social media account holders. Officials have suggested that an Australia-style ban is "an options under consideration".
• In The Spanish government, the president has urged the legislature to pass a law lifting the access age for accessing social media to 16.
• In France, the leader has threatened a ban for under-15s, and a government panel has suggested a related action, including an overnight "screen time restriction" for adolescents.
• The authorities in The Netherlands has recommended guardians to prevent their kids from social media before 15.

At the EU level, the European parliament has approved a non-binding statement supporting a ban for teenagers under 16 except if guardian approval is provided. While it warns of the "addictive" quality of these platforms, the step does not enact enforceable legislation.

"A strong age limit is a good first step," said a leading MEP supporting the initiative.

The UK: A Cautious Eye

Across Britain, the government has remained open to a potential ban, stating that "nothing is discarded" but insisting any decision must be "supported by strong research".

Last year, interest grew behind a bill to impose controls on social media use by teenagers, but it was in the end weakened. Instead, the administration committed to investigate the issue.

Campaign organizations have voiced apprehensions. One foundation founded by the loved ones of a young person who took her own life after encountering disturbing social media material argues that a strict age ban may not improve online safety and could lead to a "cliff edge" of exposure when teens reach the legal age.

"Australia's ban is a answer to the failure of the social media companies to design products and services that are safe and age appropriate for young users," said a prominent peer.

America: A State-by-State Landscape

Across America, regulation is mostly occurring at the state level amid country-wide gridlock.

• Utah demands guardian permission for under-18s to use social media and controls nighttime use.
• The state of Florida has enacted a law banning those below 14 from accessing social media, though it is entangled in constitutional disputes.
• Virginia has approved a regulation capping teenagers to one hour of social media access per day, with extra use dependent on adult consent.
• Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and Louisiana have also introduced laws mandating guardian approval for under-16s to open social media accounts.

Despite cross-party agreement and suggestions from certain individuals to copy the Australian example, a nationwide ban is presently seen as a distant prospect.

Worldwide Views

Beyond these regions, further nations are similarly exploring options.

• Malaysia plans to restrict social media for under-16s starting from next year.
• Brazil has lifted the minimum age for the platform Instagram to 16.

But, global organizations strike a more cautious stance. The UN children's agency has advised that age-based restrictions carry risks and "might prove counterproductive". The agency notes that social networks can be a "critical link" for marginalized youth and that bans should not be a "replacement" for social media firms to invest in child safeguards.

As this worldwide discussion unfolds, the actions of the Australian government and others indicate that governments around the world are less and less content to wait for the industry to act voluntarily.