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The nation's controversial move to ban social networking access for those under 16 is creating waves worldwide. Politicians, child protection groups, and families are watching closely to see if this strategy will become a template for countries abroad.

European Momentum

Across Europe, a rising number of nations are moving toward comparable bans.

• The Danish government has announced a restriction on social media for children under fifteen, with the PM arguing that phones and apps are "taking away our children's youth". A law is expected to be passed in the coming year.
• The Norwegian government is set to implement a minimum age limit of 15, highlighting the need to safeguard children from the "influence of the AI".
• Ireland is introducing a digital wallet to confirm the age and identity of social media account holders. Officials have stated that an Australia-style ban is "an measures in reserve".
• In The Spanish government, the president has urged lawmakers to approve a proposal increasing the access age for using social media to 16.
• In The French government, the leader has floated the idea of a ban for under-15s, and a government panel has endorsed a related action, potentially involving an overnight "digital curfew" for older teenagers.
• The authorities in The Dutch government has recommended guardians to restrict their kids from social media until 15.

Across the European Union, the EU parliament has passed a symbolic motion calling for a ban for under-16s unless parental consent is given. While it highlights of the "addictive" design of these apps, the move does not establish mandatory rules.

"A strong age limit is a good foundation," stated the parliamentarian supporting the initiative.

The United Kingdom: A Watchful Stance

Across Britain, the government has remained open to a future ban, stating that "no option is discarded" but stressing any action must be "supported by conclusive research".

Previously, interest gathered behind a proposal to impose limits on social media use by minors, but it was ultimately modified. Nonetheless, the government pledged to further research the matter.

Advocacy groups have raised warnings. One foundation founded by the loved ones of a teenager who took her own life after encountering disturbing social media material contends that a simple age ban may not improve online safety and could create a "cliff edge" of harm when teens reach the legal age.

"This ban is a answer to the refusal of the tech sector to create tools that are safe and fit for children," said a leading child protection advocate.

America: A Decentralized Picture

Across America, regulation is largely unfolding at the state level due to country-wide stalemate.

• Utah requires parental consent for those under 18 to use social media and limits nighttime use.
• Florida has passed a bill prohibiting those below 14 from creating accounts on social media, though it is subject to legal challenges.
• The state of Virginia has approved a regulation limiting minors to a single hour of social media access per day, with additional time needing a guardian's okay.
• Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have also introduced bills requiring parental consent for minors to create social media accounts.

Despite cross-party agreement and proposals from various figures to follow the Australian lead, a nationwide ban is presently seen as unlikely.

Global Perspectives

Beyond Europe and the US, further states are likewise taking action.

• Malaysia plans to ban social media for those under sixteen starting from next year.
• Brazil has lifted the required age for the platform Instagram to 16.

But, global agencies adopt a more cautious stance. Unicef has cautioned that age-based restrictions carry risks and "may even have unintended consequences". The agency notes that social networks can be a "lifeline" for isolated youth and that regulation should not be a "excuse" for platform operators to invest in safety.

While this global discussion continues, the actions of this nation and others demonstrate that states internationally are no longer willing to stand by for tech companies to self-regulate.