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The nation's decisive policy to restrict social media access for individuals under sixteen is sending ripples around the globe. Officials, campaigners, and guardians are monitoring closely to see if this tactic will set a precedent for other nations.

Across Europe Trend

Throughout Europe, a growing number of states are considering parallel restrictions.

• Denmark has announced a prohibition on social media for youth below 15, with the prime minister stating that phones and platforms are "robbing our children's childhood". The policy could be passed next year.
• The Norwegian government is set to introduce a minimum age limit of 15, highlighting the need to safeguard young people from the "influence of the algorithms".
• The Irish government is working on a digital wallet to authenticate the user details of social media account holders. Officials have stated that an Australian-model ban remains "a potential measures on the table".
• In Spain, the president has urged parliament to pass a law increasing the access age for using social media to 16.
• In The French government, the leader has proposed a ban for those under fifteen, and a parliamentary commission has endorsed a related action, potentially involving an overnight "digital curfew" for 15- to 18-year-olds.
• The authorities in the Netherlands has advised parents to block their youngsters from social media up to the age of 15.

Across the European Union, the bloc's legislature has adopted a advisory statement calling for a ban for minors except if guardian approval is given. Even though it warns of the "compulsive" design of these services, the step does not create enforceable legislation.

"A clear age limit is a solid foundation," said the European lawmaker driving the measure.

Britain: A Cautious Approach

Across Britain, the government has remained open to a future ban, emphasizing that "nothing is off the table" but maintaining any decision must be "supported by strong data".

Previously, momentum built behind a proposal to introduce limits on social media use by minors, but it was ultimately modified. Instead, the administration pledged to conduct more studies the issue.

Campaign organizations have expressed warnings. A prominent charity founded by the relatives of a young person who took her own life after viewing dangerous social media material suggests that a simple age ban might not make platforms safer and could lead to a "cliff edge" of exposure when teens reach the legal age.

"This ban is a answer to the refusal of the Silicon Valley to build platforms and apps that are secure and suitable for young users," commented a influential peer.

America: A Fragmented Picture

In the United States, action is primarily occurring at the state government level due to country-wide inaction.

• Utah demands guardian permission for those under 18 to use social media and limits late-night use.
• The state of Florida has signed a law prohibiting under-14s from joining social media, though it faces legal challenges.
• Virginia has enacted a law restricting under-16s to 60 minutes of social media access per day, with extra use needing adult consent.
• The state of Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and Louisiana have similarly introduced laws demanding adult authorization for minors to open social media presences.

Despite bipartisan support and suggestions from some individuals to mimic this example, a federal ban is presently seen as a distant prospect.

Worldwide Views

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

• Malaysia plans to restrict social media for teenagers beginning next year.
• The Brazilian authorities has raised the required age for the platform Instagram to 16.

Yet, international bodies adopt a more nuanced position. The UN children's agency has advised that blanket prohibitions carry risks and "might have unintended consequences". The agency notes that online platforms can be a "lifeline" for vulnerable children and that government action should not be a "excuse" for platform operators to prioritize safety.

Even as this global discussion evolves, the steps of the Australian government and several other countries indicate that policymakers around the world are less and less prepared to wait for platforms to self-regulate.