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The nation's decisive action to prohibit social media access for those under 16 is creating waves worldwide. Lawmakers, campaigners, and parents are observing closely to see if this tactic will set a precedent for other nations.

European Momentum

In Europe, a increasing group of countries are moving toward comparable restrictions.

• Denmark plans a prohibition on social media for under-15s, with the PM declaring that phones and apps are "taking away our children's childhood". Legislation may be enacted soon.
• Norway is set to enforce a minimum age limit of 15, highlighting the need to protect the young from the "influence of the recommendation systems".
• Ireland is introducing a digital ID system to confirm the identity and age of social media participants. Officials have stated that an Australian-model ban remains "one of the options on the table".
• In Spain, the prime minister has called on parliament to enact a bill raising the access age for joining social media to 16.
• In France, the president has threatened a ban for under-15s, and a parliamentary commission has endorsed a related move, potentially involving an overnight "internet blackout" for older teenagers.
• The authorities in The Dutch government has recommended families to block their kids from social media up to the age of 15.

Across the European Union, the European parliament has passed a symbolic motion calling for a ban for under-16s unless guardian approval is provided. Even though it highlights of the "habit-forming" nature of these platforms, the move does not create binding law.

"A strong age barrier is a useful first step," stated a leading parliamentarian behind the measure.

Britain: An Evidence-Based Approach

In the UK, the government has not ruled out a possible ban, emphasizing that "no option is off the table" but insisting any policy must be "based on strong evidence".

Previously, momentum grew behind a bill to impose controls on social media use by teenagers, but it was in the end watered down. Instead, the administration vowed to conduct more studies the issue.

Charities have voiced concerns. A prominent charity established by the family of a young person who was lost after encountering dangerous platform posts contends that a simple age ban may not protect children and could create a "sudden drop-off" of exposure when users turn 16.

"Australia's ban is a reaction to the inability of the tech sector to build products and services that are appropriate and fit for young users," commented a influential child protection advocate.

America: A Decentralized Landscape

Across America, legislation is mostly happening at the state level against a backdrop of national gridlock.

• Utah mandates parental consent for those under 18 to use social media and controls late-night use.
• The state of Florida has enacted a law banning under-14s from joining social media, though it is entangled in court battles.
• Virginia has enacted a regulation capping under-16s to one hour of social media time per day, with extra access requiring adult consent.
• Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have also enacted bills demanding parental consent for teenagers to create social media profiles.

Even with cross-party agreement and suggestions from various individuals to follow this path, a nationwide ban is right now seen as improbable.

International Views

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

• Malaysia intends to restrict social media for under-16s effective next year.
• Brazil has increased the minimum age for one major platform to 16.

Yet, world agencies strike a more nuanced stance. The UN children's agency has warned that social media bans pose dangers and "may even have unintended consequences". The agency notes that the internet can be a "lifeline" for marginalized youth and that bans should not be a "excuse" for platform operators to prioritize safety.

While this worldwide debate evolves, the steps of this nation and its followers demonstrate that governments around the world are increasingly willing to stand by for tech companies to make changes on their own.