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The nation's decisive move to restrict social media access for young people below 16 is creating waves around the globe. Lawmakers, campaigners, and families are observing intently to see if this tactic will become a template for countries abroad.

European Momentum

In Europe, a increasing chorus of nations are moving toward similar measures.

• Denmark has stated a ban on social media for under-15s, with the leader declaring that phones and platforms are "robbing our children's childhood". A law could be passed in the coming year.
• The Norwegian government is planning to enforce a age restriction of 15, pointing to the need to shield children from the "manipulative force of the AI".
• Ireland is working on a digital wallet to authenticate the user details of social media account holders. Officials have suggested that an Australian-model ban could be "a potential measures in reserve".
• In Spain, the prime minister has asked lawmakers to pass a proposal increasing the minimum age for accessing social media to 16.
• In France, the president has floated the idea of a ban for those under fifteen, and a government panel has suggested a comparable action, potentially involving an overnight "screen time restriction" for older teenagers.
• The government in the Netherlands has recommended families to block their children from social media up to the age of 15.

Across the European Union, the bloc's legislature has adopted a non-binding motion calling for a ban for minors without parental consent is given. While it highlights of the "compulsive" design of these apps, the step does not establish binding law.

"A strong age barrier is a good first step," stated one parliamentarian driving the initiative.

Britain: An Evidence-Based Approach

For the United Kingdom, the government has not ruled out a possible ban, arguing that "no measure is off the table" but maintaining any decision must be "based on robust evidence".

Previously, interest gathered behind a bill to enact limits on social media use by minors, but it was in the end modified. Instead, the government vowed to investigate the topic.

Campaign organizations have expressed warnings. An organization set up by the family of a girl who died after viewing harmful online content argues that a simple age ban could fail to make platforms safer and could lead to a "sudden drop-off" of risk when young people become eligible.

"The Australian ban is a answer to the inability of the tech sector to design tools that are safe and fit for minors," said a influential peer.

America: A Fragmented Picture

Across America, legislation is mostly unfolding at the state government level due to federal stalemate.

• Utah requires guardian permission for those under 18 to use social media and controls late-night use.
• Florida has signed a law prohibiting under-14s from accessing social media, though it is subject to court battles.
• The state of Virginia has approved a regulation capping teenagers to one hour of social media access per day, with additional time dependent on adult consent.
• Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and Louisiana have similarly introduced measures requiring adult authorization for under-16s to open social media accounts.

Despite cross-party agreement and proposals from various politicians to follow this lead, a federal ban is right now seen as improbable.

Worldwide Perspectives

Beyond these regions, other nations are likewise considering moves.

• Malaysia plans to ban social media for teenagers beginning next year.
• Brazil has lifted the minimum age for Instagram to 16.

Yet, global organizations take a more cautious stance. The UN children's agency has cautioned that blanket prohibitions have downsides and "could backfire". The body notes that social networks can be a "vital connection" for vulnerable youth and that government action should not be a "replacement" for social media firms to prioritize safety.

While this worldwide conversation continues, the actions of this nation and its followers demonstrate that states internationally are no longer willing to delay for platforms to make changes on their own.