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The nation's controversial policy to restrict social media access for individuals under sixteen is sparking debate around the globe. Politicians, campaigners, and parents are watching with great interest to see if this tactic will inspire imitation for the rest of the world.

The European Movement

Across Europe, a increasing group of states are exploring parallel measures.

• The Danish government plans a prohibition on social media for youth below 15, with the leader arguing that mobile devices and apps are "taking away our kids' youth". The policy is expected to be enacted in the coming year.
• Norway is set to enforce a minimum age limit of 15, pointing to the need to safeguard the young from the "influence of the recommendation systems".
• Ireland is developing a digital wallet to authenticate the user details of social media account holders. Officials have suggested that an Australian-model ban remains "a potential tools under consideration".
• In Spain, the prime minister has asked parliament to enact a bill lifting the access age for accessing social media to 16.
• In The French government, the leader has floated the idea of a ban for under-15s, and a legislative committee has recommended a comparable action, potentially involving an overnight "screen time restriction" for older teenagers.
• The administration in The Netherlands has urged parents to block their kids from social media until 15.

For the broader EU, the European parliament has adopted a advisory resolution demanding a ban for teenagers under 16 without guardian approval is provided. Although it highlights of the "compulsive" nature of these services, the step does not enact enforceable legislation.

"A strong age limit is a useful first step," stated a leading parliamentarian driving the resolution.

Britain: A Watchful Approach

In the UK, the administration has remained open to a potential ban, stating that "no option is being dismissed" but stressing any action must be "grounded in strong data".

Last year, momentum grew behind a proposal to enact limits on social media use by teenagers, but it was eventually modified. Instead, the administration vowed to further research the issue.

Charities have voiced concerns. A prominent charity set up by the loved ones of a girl who took her own life after encountering harmful online content contends that a blanket age ban might not protect children and could lead to a "cliff edge" of risk when teens turn 16.

"Australia's ban is a response to the refusal of the Silicon Valley to create products and services that are secure and suitable for children," stated a influential peer.

The US: A Fragmented Approach

In the United States, regulation is primarily unfolding at the state government level amid country-wide gridlock.

• Utah requires guardian permission for minors to use social media and limits nighttime use.
• The state of Florida has enacted a bill prohibiting children under fourteen from accessing social media, though it faces constitutional disputes.
• The state of Virginia has enacted a law restricting under-16s to a single hour of social media access per day, with any further use requiring parental permission.
• Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have likewise passed laws demanding guardian approval for minors to open social media accounts.

Despite cross-party agreement and suggestions from certain individuals to mimic Australia's example, a nationwide ban is presently seen as unlikely.

International Views

Beyond the West, additional countries are similarly considering moves.

• Malaysia plans to ban social media for those under sixteen starting from next year.
• Brazil has raised the access age for one major platform to 16.

Yet, international agencies strike a more nuanced position. A major UN agency has advised that blanket prohibitions have downsides and "may even have unintended consequences". The organization highlights that the internet can be a "lifeline" for vulnerable young people and that regulation should not be a "replacement" for social media firms to improve child safeguards.

Even as this global debate evolves, the policies of this nation and several other countries indicate that states around the world are increasingly prepared to delay for platforms to make changes on their own.