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The nation's decisive action to ban social media access for individuals under sixteen is sending ripples around the globe. Lawmakers, campaigners, and parents are watching intently to see if this strategy will inspire imitation for countries abroad.

Across Europe Trend

Across Europe, a rising group of countries are exploring parallel restrictions.

• Denmark has announced a prohibition on social media for youth below 15, with the leader stating that mobile devices and apps are "robbing our kids' childhood". Legislation may be passed in the coming year.
• Norway is planning to enforce a minimum age limit of 15, highlighting the need to shield young people from the "manipulative force of the recommendation systems".
• Ireland is introducing a digital wallet to authenticate the identity and age of social media users. Authorities have stated that an similar ban remains "a potential measures on the table".
• In Spain, the prime minister has asked parliament to pass a proposal raising the access age for using social media to 16.
• In France, the leader has threatened a ban for those under fifteen, and a parliamentary commission has recommended a related move, including an overnight "screen time restriction" for 15- to 18-year-olds.
• The administration in the Netherlands has advised guardians to prevent their kids from social media before 15.

At the EU level, the European parliament has adopted a advisory resolution demanding a ban for minors without parental consent is given. Even though it cautions of the "addictive" nature of these apps, the resolution does not enact enforceable legislation.

"An effective age restriction is a solid first step," commented a leading European lawmaker behind the resolution.

Britain: A Watchful Approach

In the UK, the administration has not ruled out a future ban, arguing that "no option is discarded" but insisting any action must be "based on conclusive evidence".

Previously, momentum built behind a legislative effort to impose controls on social media use by teenagers, but it was eventually weakened. However, the administration committed to further research the topic.

Advocacy groups have expressed concerns. An organization set up by the relatives of a teenager who took her own life after being exposed to dangerous social media material contends that a simple age ban might not protect children and could create a "sudden drop-off" of harm when teens reach the legal age.

"Australia's ban is a reaction to the refusal of the social media companies to design tools that are safe and age appropriate for minors," stated a leading online safety campaigner.

The United States: A Fragmented Picture

Across America, action is largely unfolding at the regional level due to country-wide stalemate.

• The state of Utah mandates adult approval for those under 18 to use social media and restricts nighttime use.
• Florida has passed a measure banning those below 14 from creating accounts on social media, though it is entangled in legal challenges.
• Virginia has passed a regulation capping teenagers to one hour of social media access per day, with any further access needing parental permission.
• Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have likewise passed laws requiring adult authorization for teenagers to set up social media profiles.

Despite cross-party agreement and suggestions from some politicians to mimic this example, a US-wide ban is currently seen as a distant prospect.

International Perspectives

Apart from these regions, other nations are similarly considering moves.

• Malaysia aims to prohibit social media for those under sixteen starting from next year.
• Brazil has lifted the required age for one major platform to 16.

Yet, international agencies take a more nuanced stance. A major UN agency has cautioned that social media bans have downsides and "may even backfire". The agency points out that the internet can be a "critical link" for marginalized youth and that bans should not be a "replacement" for social media firms to prioritize safety.

Even as this international discussion unfolds, the policies of Australia and others indicate that governments around the world are no longer content to wait for tech companies to make changes on their own.