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The Australian controversial move to restrict social platforms access for individuals under sixteen is sparking debate around the globe. Lawmakers, campaigners, and parents are observing intently to see if this strategy will inspire imitation for other nations.

The European Trend

Throughout Europe, a rising number of states are moving toward comparable measures.

• Denmark has stated a restriction on social media for under-15s, with the PM stating that phones and platforms are "taking away our children's innocence". The policy could be formalized soon.
• Norway is planning to implement a age restriction of 15, highlighting the need to protect children from the "manipulative force of the AI".
• Ireland is introducing a digital wallet to verify the age and identity of social media participants. The media minister have stated that an Australian-model ban is "a potential measures under consideration".
• In Spain, the president has called on the legislature to approve a proposal raising the minimum age for joining social media to 16.
• In France, the head of state has proposed a ban for children below 15, and a legislative committee has recommended a similar move, potentially involving an overnight "screen time restriction" for adolescents.
• The government in The Dutch government has urged guardians to block their kids from social media before 15.

Across the European Union, the European parliament has approved a advisory motion demanding a ban for minors without a parent decides otherwise is provided. While it warns of the "habit-forming" quality of these platforms, the move does not establish enforceable legislation.

"A clear age limit is a good foundation," commented a leading parliamentarian driving the resolution.

The UK: A Watchful Eye

Across Britain, the leadership has remained open to a possible ban, arguing that "no measure is discarded" but insisting any policy must be "grounded in strong research".

Earlier, momentum grew behind a bill to impose limits on social media use by under-16s, but it was eventually modified. However, the administration vowed to investigate the issue.

Charities have expressed warnings. A prominent charity founded by the relatives of a teenager who took her own life after being exposed to harmful platform posts contends that a blanket age ban may not make platforms safer and could result in a "sudden drop-off" of risk when users become eligible.

"Australia's ban is a response to the refusal of the social media companies to create products and services that are safe and fit for young users," stated a leading child protection advocate.

The US: A State-by-State Picture

In the United States, legislation is largely occurring at the local level amid country-wide inaction.

• Utah demands adult approval for under-18s to use social media and controls late-night use.
• The state of Florida has signed a measure prohibiting under-14s from creating accounts on social media, though it is entangled in legal challenges.
• Virginia has passed a regulation capping teenagers to one hour of social media use per day, with extra time requiring parental permission.
• The state of Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have likewise introduced laws mandating guardian approval for minors to create social media profiles.

Despite bipartisan support and proposals from some politicians to copy the Australian lead, a federal ban is presently seen as a distant prospect.

Global Views

Apart from Europe and the US, other countries are also considering moves.

• Malaysia aims to ban social media for teenagers starting from next year.
• The Brazilian authorities has lifted the required age for one major platform to 16.

Yet, international organizations strike a more nuanced stance. The UN children's agency has cautioned that age-based restrictions carry risks and "might backfire". The agency points out that online platforms can be a "vital connection" for marginalized children and that government action should not be a "excuse" for social media firms to prioritize user protection.

While this worldwide conversation continues, the steps of Australia and others indicate that states around the world are increasingly content to wait for platforms to make changes on their own.