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The nation's bold move to prohibit social networking access for those under 16 is sending ripples worldwide. Officials, child protection groups, and families are observing closely to see if this strategy will set a precedent for other nations.

Across Europe Trend

In Europe, a growing chorus of countries are considering comparable restrictions.

• The Danish government has announced a prohibition on social media for youth below 15, with the prime minister declaring that phones and apps are "stealing our children's childhood". Legislation is expected to be passed in the coming year.
• The Norwegian government is planning to introduce a minimum age limit of 15, citing the need to protect young people from the "manipulative force of the algorithms".
• Ireland is developing a digital ID system to authenticate the user details of social media account holders. The media minister have indicated that an Australian-model ban could be "an options on the table".
• In The Spanish government, the president has urged the legislature to pass a law lifting the minimum age for using social media to 16.
• In France, the head of state has proposed a ban for children below 15, and a legislative committee has endorsed a comparable step, alongside an overnight "internet blackout" for adolescents.
• The government in The Netherlands has recommended families to block their youngsters from social media up to the age of 15.

At the EU level, the European parliament has passed a non-binding motion demanding a ban for under-16s except if parental consent is granted. Even though it cautions of the "habit-forming" nature of these apps, the resolution does not create mandatory rules.

"A clear age restriction is a solid foundation," stated the European lawmaker supporting the resolution.

The United Kingdom: A Cautious Stance

In the UK, the government has not ruled out a potential ban, emphasizing that "nothing is off the table" but insisting any action must be "based on conclusive data".

Earlier, support built behind a legislative effort to introduce limits on social media use by under-16s, but it was ultimately modified. However, the administration committed to further research the matter.

Campaign organizations have expressed concerns. An organization set up by the loved ones of a teenager who was lost after encountering disturbing online content argues that a blanket age ban may not make platforms safer and could create a "sudden drop-off" of risk when young people become eligible.

"Australia's ban is a answer to the refusal of the tech sector to build platforms and apps that are appropriate and suitable for minors," said a influential child protection advocate.

America: A Fragmented Landscape

Across America, action is mostly occurring at the regional government level amid federal inaction.

• Utah mandates adult approval for those under 18 to use social media and controls late-night use.
• Florida has enacted a law prohibiting under-14s from accessing social media, though it is entangled in constitutional disputes.
• Virginia has passed a law capping teenagers to 60 minutes of social media use per day, with additional time needing adult consent.
• The state of Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and The state of Louisiana have likewise enacted bills demanding guardian approval for minors to open social media accounts.

Despite widespread concern and proposals from various figures to copy this path, a federal ban is currently seen as unlikely.

International Views

Beyond these regions, other countries are also considering moves.

• Malaysia aims to prohibit social media for those under sixteen beginning next year.
• Brazil has raised the minimum age for Instagram to 16.

However, global agencies adopt a more nuanced position. Unicef has cautioned that social media bans carry risks and "might have unintended consequences". The body notes that the internet can be a "lifeline" for marginalized youth and that bans should not be a "substitute" for platform operators to invest in user protection.

While this international conversation continues, the policies of this nation and several other countries show that states around the world are no longer willing to stand by for platforms to make changes on their own.