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The nation's decisive move to ban social media access for those under 16 is sparking debate internationally. Politicians, campaigners, and families are monitoring closely to see if this strategy will set a precedent for countries abroad.

Across Europe Momentum

In Europe, a growing number of states are considering similar restrictions.

• Denmark plans a ban on social media for children under fifteen, with the prime minister arguing that mobile devices and platforms are "robbing our youngsters' childhood". Legislation may be passed in the coming year.
• Norway is preparing to introduce a minimum age limit of 15, highlighting the need to protect young people from the "influence of the AI".
• Ireland is introducing a digital ID system to authenticate the age and identity of social media participants. Authorities have indicated that an Australia-style ban could be "a potential options under consideration".
• In The Spanish government, the prime minister has asked parliament to enact a proposal increasing the access age for accessing social media to 16.
• In The French government, the leader has proposed a ban for children below 15, and a government panel has endorsed a related step, potentially involving an overnight "screen time restriction" for adolescents.
• The authorities in The Netherlands has urged guardians to prevent their kids from social media up to the age of 15.

Across the European Union, the bloc's legislature has passed a symbolic motion demanding a ban for minors except if a parent decides otherwise is given. While it warns of the "addictive" design of these apps, the move does not establish mandatory rules.

"A clear age barrier is a good foundation," stated the European lawmaker driving the measure.

The UK: A Cautious Approach

Across Britain, the leadership has remained open to a possible ban, stating that "no option is discarded" but maintaining any action must be "based on strong data".

Last year, interest grew behind a bill to enact restrictions on social media use by teenagers, but it was in the end weakened. However, the administration vowed to further research the topic.

Charities have expressed concerns. One foundation founded by the family of a teenager who died after viewing disturbing platform posts suggests that a simple age ban might not make platforms safer and could lead to a "dangerous transition" of exposure when teens reach the legal age.

"This ban is a reaction to the refusal of the Silicon Valley to build products and services that are secure and fit for young users," said a leading online safety campaigner.

America: A Decentralized Landscape

Across America, action is primarily occurring at the local level amid federal inaction.

• The state of Utah demands adult approval for minors to use social media and controls overnight use.
• The state of Florida has enacted a measure banning those below 14 from joining social media, though it is subject to constitutional disputes.
• The state of Virginia has passed a rule restricting teenagers to 60 minutes of social media time per day, with extra use dependent on parental permission.
• Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have similarly passed measures mandating guardian approval for under-16s to open social media presences.

Despite widespread concern and suggestions from certain individuals to follow Australia's example, a US-wide ban is presently seen as a distant prospect.

Global Perspectives

Apart from the West, additional countries are likewise considering moves.

• The Malaysian government intends to ban social media for teenagers effective next year.
• Brazil has lifted the minimum age for one major platform to 16.

Yet, international organizations adopt a more measured position. Unicef has advised that age-based restrictions carry risks and "may even backfire". The body points out that social networks can be a "lifeline" for vulnerable children and that regulation should not be a "substitute" for platform operators to improve safety.

While this worldwide discussion unfolds, the steps of this nation and several other countries show that governments internationally are no longer willing to wait for platforms to self-regulate.