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The nation's bold policy to prohibit social media access for individuals under sixteen is sending ripples worldwide. Lawmakers, child protection groups, and families are monitoring intently to see if this tactic will inspire imitation for countries abroad.

The European Movement

Throughout Europe, a rising chorus of nations are considering comparable measures.

• The Danish government has announced a ban on social media for youth below 15, with the PM arguing that smartphones and apps are "taking away our children's youth". Legislation may be formalized in the coming year.
• The Norwegian government is set to implement a access barrier of 15, pointing to the need to safeguard young people from the "manipulative force of the AI".
• The Irish government is developing a online verification tool to confirm the identity and age of social media users. Authorities have stated that an similar ban could be "one of the tools on the table".
• In Spain, the president has asked the legislature to approve a proposal raising the legal age for accessing social media to 16.
• In The French government, the president has proposed a ban for under-15s, and a parliamentary commission has endorsed a similar action, including an overnight "internet blackout" for 15- to 18-year-olds.
• The authorities in The Dutch government has advised parents to block their children from social media before 15.

Across the European Union, the bloc's legislature has passed a non-binding statement calling for a ban for teenagers under 16 except if a parent decides otherwise is provided. Although it warns of the "compulsive" quality of these apps, the move does not enact binding law.

"An effective age limit is a useful starting point," commented a leading MEP behind the resolution.

The United Kingdom: A Cautious Eye

Across Britain, the government has not ruled out a possible ban, arguing that "no option is discarded" but maintaining any action must be "grounded in robust data".

Earlier, support built behind a legislative effort to impose limits on social media use by under-16s, but it was in the end watered down. Nonetheless, the administration vowed to further research the topic.

Advocacy groups have voiced warnings. An organization set up by the loved ones of a teenager who died after encountering disturbing online content argues that a blanket age ban might not improve online safety and could create a "cliff edge" of risk when teens reach the legal age.

"Australia's ban is a response to the refusal of the tech sector to design tools that are appropriate and suitable for children," commented a leading child protection advocate.

The US: A Fragmented Picture

Stateside, action is largely unfolding at the state government level against a backdrop of country-wide inaction.

• Utah demands adult approval for minors to use social media and limits overnight use.
• Florida has signed a law prohibiting children under fourteen from accessing social media, though it is entangled in court battles.
• Virginia has passed a regulation capping teenagers to one hour of social media use per day, with any further use dependent on parental permission.
• Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and Louisiana have likewise passed laws requiring parental consent for under-16s to set up social media accounts.

Even with widespread concern and suggestions from various politicians to follow Australia's lead, a US-wide ban is presently seen as a distant prospect.

International Views

Beyond these regions, further countries are similarly taking action.

• Malaysia aims to ban social media for under-16s effective next year.
• Brazil has lifted the access age for Instagram to 16.

Yet, world bodies strike a more nuanced tone. The UN children's agency has warned that blanket prohibitions have downsides and "may even prove counterproductive". The agency points out that online platforms can be a "lifeline" for isolated young people and that bans should not be a "excuse" for tech companies to prioritize safety.

Even as this worldwide conversation continues, the steps of this nation and several other countries indicate that states internationally are no longer willing to delay for tech companies to make changes on their own.