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The nation's bold action to prohibit social media access for young people below 16 is sparking debate worldwide. Lawmakers, campaigners, and parents are observing closely to see if this approach will become a template for countries abroad.

The European Trend

Throughout Europe, a rising chorus of countries are exploring similar bans.

• The Danish government plans a prohibition on social media for children under fifteen, with the prime minister arguing that smartphones and platforms are "robbing our youngsters' innocence". The policy could be passed soon.
• The Norwegian government is planning to implement a minimum age limit of 15, highlighting the need to safeguard children from the "power of the algorithms".
• Ireland is working on a online verification tool to authenticate the user details of social media users. The media minister have indicated that an Australian-model ban could be "a potential options in reserve".
• In Spain, the leader has asked parliament to approve a proposal lifting the legal age for using social media to 16.
• In France, the head of state has floated the idea of a ban for those under fifteen, and a parliamentary commission has endorsed a comparable move, including an overnight "internet blackout" for older teenagers.
• The government in the Netherlands has urged families to block their children from social media up to the age of 15.

Across the European Union, the bloc's legislature has passed a symbolic motion calling for a ban for under-16s except if guardian approval is granted. While it cautions of the "addictive" nature of these platforms, the resolution does not create binding law.

"A strong age barrier is a solid first step," stated the MEP behind the measure.

Britain: An Evidence-Based Eye

For the United Kingdom, the administration has not ruled out a possible ban, stating that "nothing is discarded" but maintaining any action must be "supported by robust evidence".

Previously, momentum built behind a proposal to introduce restrictions on social media use by under-16s, but it was eventually watered down. However, the administration pledged to investigate the issue.

Campaign organizations have expressed apprehensions. A prominent charity set up by the loved ones of a young person who was lost after viewing disturbing online content suggests that a blanket age ban could fail to make platforms safer and could result in a "sudden drop-off" of exposure when users reach the legal age.

"This ban is a response to the inability of the tech sector to create products and services that are appropriate and fit for young users," said a leading peer.

America: A State-by-State Landscape

Stateside, regulation is primarily happening at the regional level against a backdrop of country-wide inaction.

• The state of Utah mandates adult approval for under-18s to use social media and limits overnight use.
• Florida has passed a law banning those below 14 from accessing social media, though it is entangled in constitutional disputes.
• Virginia has approved a rule capping minors to a single hour of social media time per day, with additional time needing parental permission.
• Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have likewise passed measures requiring guardian approval for minors to set up social media presences.

Even with bipartisan support and suggestions from some politicians to mimic Australia's example, a US-wide ban is right now seen as a distant prospect.

International Outlook

Outside of these regions, further states are similarly taking action.

• The Malaysian government plans to ban social media for those under sixteen beginning next year.
• The Brazilian authorities has lifted the access age for the platform Instagram to 16.

Yet, global organizations adopt a more measured tone. A major UN agency has cautioned that age-based restrictions carry risks and "could have unintended consequences". The agency highlights that online platforms can be a "vital connection" for vulnerable children and that regulation should not be a "substitute" for platform operators to improve user protection.

While this worldwide conversation evolves, the actions of this nation and others show that governments around the world are less and less content to wait for platforms to make changes on their own.