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The nation's decisive move to ban social media access for those under 16 is sparking debate worldwide. Lawmakers, safety advocates, and parents are watching closely to see if this approach will inspire imitation for countries abroad.

The European Trend

Throughout Europe, a rising chorus of states are considering parallel bans.

• Denmark has stated a prohibition on social media for youth below 15, with the prime minister stating that smartphones and platforms are "robbing our youngsters' youth". Legislation is expected to be passed in the coming year.
• The Norwegian government is set to enforce a age restriction of 15, highlighting the need to shield children from the "power of the AI".
• Ireland is introducing a digital ID system to authenticate the user details of social media account holders. Officials have indicated that an similar ban could be "one of the tools in reserve".
• In Spain, the leader has called on lawmakers to approve a bill increasing the access age for using social media to 16.
• In France, the president has threatened a ban for children below 15, and a government panel has recommended a similar step, alongside an overnight "internet blackout" for older teenagers.
• The government in The Netherlands has recommended guardians to restrict their youngsters from social media until 15.

At the EU level, the bloc's legislature has passed a non-binding statement demanding a ban for teenagers under 16 unless parental consent is granted. While it highlights of the "addictive" design of these platforms, the step does not establish enforceable legislation.

"An effective age restriction is a solid first step," commented a leading European lawmaker behind the measure.

Britain: A Watchful Stance

In the UK, the leadership has not ruled out a potential ban, arguing that "no measure is being dismissed" but insisting any action must be "based on strong evidence".

Last year, support grew behind a bill to enact limits on social media use by under-16s, but it was ultimately watered down. Instead, the administration committed to conduct more studies the matter.

Campaign organizations have expressed warnings. One foundation established by the loved ones of a young person who was lost after encountering harmful online content contends that a blanket age ban could fail to improve online safety and could create a "dangerous transition" of exposure when teens become eligible.

"This ban is a response to the refusal of the tech sector to build platforms and apps that are secure and age appropriate for young users," stated a prominent child protection advocate.

The US: A Decentralized Landscape

Across America, legislation is largely occurring at the regional government level amid federal inaction.

• Utah mandates guardian permission for those under 18 to use social media and restricts nighttime use.
• The state of Florida has signed a bill banning children under fourteen from joining social media, though it faces constitutional disputes.
• Virginia has passed a law capping minors to one hour of social media time per day, with any further time requiring parental permission.
• Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and The state of Louisiana have likewise passed laws mandating adult authorization for minors to set up social media presences.

Even with bipartisan support and proposals from certain individuals to copy Australia's example, a nationwide ban is presently seen as improbable.

International Outlook

Apart from Europe and the US, further nations are similarly taking action.

• Malaysia plans to restrict social media for under-16s effective next year.
• Brazil has raised the access age for the platform Instagram to 16.

However, global agencies adopt a more cautious position. A major UN agency has advised that age-based restrictions pose dangers and "might prove counterproductive". The agency highlights that the internet can be a "lifeline" for vulnerable youth and that government action should not be a "excuse" for social media firms to prioritize child safeguards.

Even as this global debate continues, the steps of this nation and several other countries indicate that states globally are increasingly content to stand by for platforms to make changes on their own.