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The nation's controversial action to restrict social media access for young people below 16 is sending ripples around the globe. Politicians, safety advocates, and parents are watching intently to see if this strategy will inspire imitation for other nations.

European Trend

In Europe, a rising number of nations are moving toward parallel restrictions.

• Denmark has stated a prohibition on social media for under-15s, with the prime minister declaring that phones and platforms are "stealing our children's childhood". Legislation could be passed in the coming year.
• The Norwegian government is preparing to introduce a minimum age limit of 15, pointing to the need to shield the young from the "manipulative force of the algorithms".
• Ireland is introducing a digital wallet to verify the identity and age of social media participants. The media minister have indicated that an Australian-model ban remains "one of the tools on the table".
• In The Spanish government, the prime minister has asked the legislature to pass a law increasing the legal age for accessing social media to 16.
• In France, the head of state has proposed a ban for those under fifteen, and a government panel has suggested a related step, alongside an overnight "internet blackout" for 15- to 18-year-olds.
• The authorities in the Netherlands has urged guardians to restrict their youngsters from social media before 15.

Across the European Union, the European parliament has passed a symbolic resolution supporting a ban for teenagers under 16 except if guardian approval is granted. Even though it highlights of the "addictive" nature of these apps, the resolution does not create enforceable legislation.

"A clear age restriction is a solid first step," commented one MEP supporting the measure.

The UK: An Evidence-Based Approach

In the UK, the administration has kept open a future ban, arguing that "nothing is being dismissed" but stressing any policy must be "grounded in conclusive research".

Earlier, support grew behind a proposal to introduce restrictions on social media use by under-16s, but it was eventually weakened. Instead, the government pledged to investigate the issue.

Advocacy groups have voiced warnings. An organization set up by the family of a teenager who was lost after encountering harmful social media material suggests that a strict age ban may not protect children and could lead to a "dangerous transition" of risk when teens become eligible.

"Australia's ban is a reaction to the failure of the tech sector to build tools that are appropriate and age appropriate for children," stated a prominent peer.

America: A State-by-State Approach

In the United States, action is largely unfolding at the state level amid federal gridlock.

• The state of Utah mandates guardian permission for those under 18 to use social media and limits overnight use.
• Florida has enacted a bill banning under-14s from accessing social media, though it is entangled in constitutional disputes.
• Virginia has approved a rule capping teenagers to one hour of social media access per day, with additional access requiring parental permission.
• Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have likewise enacted measures demanding guardian approval for under-16s to create social media profiles.

Even with cross-party agreement and proposals from various figures to follow this example, a US-wide ban is right now seen as unlikely.

International Perspectives

Outside of these regions, further countries are also considering moves.

• The Malaysian government plans to restrict social media for teenagers effective next year.
• Brazil has raised the minimum age for Instagram to 16.

Yet, world agencies strike a more nuanced stance. The UN children's agency has advised that social media bans have downsides and "might backfire". The body notes that the internet can be a "lifeline" for marginalized young people and that bans should not be a "substitute" for social media firms to prioritize user protection.

Even as this worldwide discussion continues, the actions of this nation and others indicate that policymakers around the world are no longer prepared to wait for tech companies to self-regulate.