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The nation's controversial move to prohibit social media access for individuals under sixteen is creating waves internationally. Politicians, safety advocates, and parents are monitoring closely to see if this tactic will set a precedent for the rest of the world.

The European Movement

Throughout Europe, a growing group of nations are considering parallel bans.

• Denmark has stated a restriction on social media for children under fifteen, with the prime minister declaring that phones and apps are "taking away our youngsters' innocence". Legislation may be passed soon.
• Norway is planning to enforce a age restriction of 15, highlighting the need to shield young people from the "manipulative force of the algorithms".
• The Irish government is introducing a digital ID system to authenticate the user details of social media account holders. Officials have suggested that an Australia-style ban is "a potential options under consideration".
• In Spain, the prime minister has urged lawmakers to approve a proposal raising the access age for joining social media to 16.
• In France, the head of state has threatened a ban for children below 15, and a legislative committee has suggested a related move, potentially involving an overnight "internet blackout" for 15- to 18-year-olds.
• The administration in the Netherlands has advised guardians to prevent their kids from social media until 15.

At the EU level, the EU parliament has adopted a advisory statement demanding a ban for minors except if guardian approval is granted. Although it warns of the "addictive" design of these platforms, the move does not create binding law.

"A clear age limit is a good foundation," stated the parliamentarian driving the initiative.

The United Kingdom: An Evidence-Based Stance

Across Britain, the leadership has kept open a potential ban, arguing that "nothing is being dismissed" but stressing any policy must be "grounded in conclusive data".

Last year, support gathered behind a bill to introduce limits on social media use by minors, but it was eventually modified. However, the administration vowed to conduct more studies the issue.

Charities have voiced concerns. An organization established by the loved ones of a young person who died after encountering disturbing social media material suggests that a blanket age ban may not improve online safety and could lead to a "cliff edge" of risk when teens become eligible.

"This ban is a reaction to the failure of the Silicon Valley to design platforms and apps that are safe and fit for minors," stated a prominent online safety campaigner.

The United States: A Decentralized Landscape

In the United States, legislation is primarily occurring at the local level amid federal inaction.

• The state of Utah demands parental consent for minors to use social media and restricts overnight use.
• The state of Florida has signed a measure prohibiting under-14s from joining social media, though it faces legal challenges.
• Virginia has approved a regulation capping under-16s to a single hour of social media use per day, with any further access requiring a guardian's okay.
• The state of Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have also introduced laws mandating adult authorization for minors to open social media accounts.

Despite cross-party agreement and proposals from some politicians to copy the Australian path, a federal ban is right now seen as unlikely.

Global Outlook

Outside of Europe and the US, other nations are similarly taking action.

• The Malaysian government plans to prohibit social media for under-16s beginning next year.
• The Brazilian authorities has increased the minimum age for Instagram to 16.

However, global agencies adopt a more cautious tone. A major UN agency has warned that social media bans pose dangers and "might have unintended consequences". The agency highlights that the internet can be a "critical link" for vulnerable young people and that bans should not be a "substitute" for social media firms to prioritize child safeguards.

While this global discussion evolves, the actions of this nation and others indicate that policymakers around the world are less and less prepared to wait for tech companies to self-regulate.