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The nation's controversial move to ban social media access for individuals under sixteen is sending ripples worldwide. Officials, child protection groups, and parents are watching closely to see if this approach will inspire imitation for the rest of the world.

European Momentum

In Europe, a growing group of countries are exploring parallel bans.

• The Danish government plans a restriction on social media for youth below 15, with the PM declaring that smartphones and apps are "robbing our kids' innocence". A law could be formalized next year.
• Norway is preparing to introduce a minimum age limit of 15, citing the need to shield young people from the "power of the AI".
• Ireland is working on a online verification tool to confirm the age and identity of social media participants. Authorities have indicated that an Australian-model ban remains "a potential tools on the table".
• In The Spanish government, the president has urged lawmakers to enact a bill raising the access age for using social media to 16.
• In The French government, the president has proposed a ban for children below 15, and a legislative committee has endorsed a similar action, alongside an overnight "screen time restriction" for older teenagers.
• The government in The Netherlands has advised guardians to block their youngsters from social media until 15.

For the broader EU, the European parliament has passed a non-binding motion calling for a ban for under-16s unless parental consent is granted. Although it highlights of the "habit-forming" design of these apps, the move does not establish enforceable legislation.

"A strong age restriction is a useful starting point," stated one parliamentarian behind the resolution.

Britain: A Watchful Eye

In the UK, the leadership has not ruled out a possible ban, arguing that "no measure is being dismissed" but stressing any decision must be "based on strong research".

Earlier, interest gathered behind a legislative effort to introduce limits on social media use by under-16s, but it was ultimately modified. However, the administration pledged to conduct more studies the matter.

Advocacy groups have expressed concerns. An organization set up by the loved ones of a teenager who took her own life after being exposed to dangerous social media material suggests that a blanket age ban may not protect children and could create a "dangerous transition" of risk when users become eligible.

"The Australian ban is a reaction to the refusal of the Silicon Valley to build tools that are appropriate and fit for minors," commented a prominent peer.

America: A Fragmented Picture

In the United States, action is largely unfolding at the state level against a backdrop of national inaction.

• Utah mandates parental consent for under-18s to use social media and limits nighttime use.
• Florida has passed a measure prohibiting children under fourteen from accessing social media, though it is subject to legal challenges.
• The state of Virginia has passed a rule limiting teenagers to a single hour of social media time per day, with extra time needing a guardian's okay.
• Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and Louisiana have also enacted bills demanding guardian approval for under-16s to set up social media presences.

Even with cross-party agreement and calls from various figures to mimic this lead, a nationwide ban is currently seen as a distant prospect.

International Views

Apart from the West, other states are likewise considering moves.

• Malaysia plans to restrict social media for those under sixteen beginning next year.
• The Brazilian authorities has increased the access age for the platform Instagram to 16.

Yet, international organizations take a more cautious stance. A major UN agency has advised that social media bans have downsides and "may even backfire". The organization highlights that social networks can be a "lifeline" for marginalized young people and that government action should not be a "replacement" for platform operators to prioritize user protection.

Even as this worldwide discussion unfolds, the policies of this nation and its followers demonstrate that policymakers around the world are increasingly content to stand by for the industry to make changes on their own.