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The nation's controversial move to ban social media access for those under 16 is sparking debate internationally. Lawmakers, safety advocates, and families are watching closely to see if this strategy will become a template for other nations.

European Movement

Across Europe, a rising chorus of countries are considering parallel bans.

• Denmark plans a restriction on social media for children under fifteen, with the leader stating that smartphones and networks are "taking away our kids' innocence". Legislation is expected to be formalized soon.
• Norway is planning to introduce a age restriction of 15, pointing to the need to protect children from the "influence of the recommendation systems".
• Ireland is introducing a digital ID system to confirm the user details of social media users. The media minister have indicated that an Australia-style ban remains "an tools under consideration".
• In Spain, the president has urged the legislature to enact a bill lifting the access age for using social media to 16.
• In France, the president has threatened a ban for under-15s, and a government panel has recommended a related move, alongside an overnight "screen time restriction" for 15- to 18-year-olds.
• The administration in The Dutch government has recommended guardians to restrict their kids from social media until 15.

Across the European Union, the European parliament has approved a symbolic resolution calling for a ban for teenagers under 16 unless a parent decides otherwise is provided. Even though it cautions of the "habit-forming" design of these services, the resolution does not enact binding law.

"A clear age limit is a useful foundation," said the parliamentarian behind the resolution.

The United Kingdom: A Watchful Eye

Across Britain, the leadership has remained open to a possible ban, stating that "nothing is discarded" but maintaining any policy must be "based on conclusive evidence".

Last year, interest gathered behind a proposal to introduce limits on social media use by minors, but it was eventually watered down. Nonetheless, the administration vowed to further research the topic.

Advocacy groups have raised warnings. An organization founded by the family of a girl who died after being exposed to disturbing social media material contends that a strict age ban might not protect children and could create a "sudden drop-off" of risk when young people become eligible.

"This ban is a reaction to the refusal of the Silicon Valley to create tools that are safe and fit for children," commented a prominent online safety campaigner.

The United States: A Decentralized Picture

Stateside, legislation is mostly occurring at the local level due to national gridlock.

• Utah demands adult approval for those under 18 to use social media and controls nighttime use.
• Florida has signed a bill barring under-14s from joining social media, though it is entangled in legal challenges.
• Virginia has approved a rule restricting minors to one hour of social media time per day, with additional use dependent on parental permission.
• The state of Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and Louisiana have likewise passed measures mandating adult authorization for minors to create social media presences.

Despite widespread concern and proposals from certain politicians to copy the Australian lead, a federal ban is presently seen as unlikely.

International Outlook

Beyond Europe and the US, further nations are likewise exploring options.

• The Malaysian government aims to ban social media for under-16s effective next year.
• The Brazilian authorities has increased the minimum age for the platform Instagram to 16.

Yet, international agencies strike a more measured stance. The UN children's agency has advised that blanket prohibitions have downsides and "might prove counterproductive". The agency points out that social networks can be a "lifeline" for marginalized youth and that government action should not be a "substitute" for platform operators to invest in user protection.

Even as this worldwide discussion continues, the actions of this nation and several other countries show that governments globally are no longer willing to stand by for the industry to act voluntarily.