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The nation's controversial policy to restrict social platforms access for individuals under sixteen is sending ripples worldwide. Lawmakers, safety advocates, and guardians are monitoring intently to see if this tactic will set a precedent for countries abroad.

European Momentum

Throughout Europe, a growing number of nations are exploring similar measures.

• Denmark plans a restriction on social media for under-15s, with the leader arguing that mobile devices and networks are "robbing our kids' innocence". The policy is expected to be enacted next year.
• Norway is set to implement a access barrier of 15, highlighting the need to shield the young from the "influence of the AI".
• Ireland is working on a digital wallet to confirm the user details of social media account holders. Officials have suggested that an similar ban is "a potential measures under consideration".
• In The Spanish government, the president has asked lawmakers to enact a law increasing the legal age for joining social media to 16.
• In The French government, the leader has threatened a ban for children below 15, and a parliamentary commission has recommended a similar step, potentially involving an overnight "internet blackout" for older teenagers.
• The government in the Netherlands has advised guardians to restrict their youngsters from social media until 15.

Across the European Union, the EU parliament has adopted a non-binding resolution demanding a ban for under-16s without parental consent is provided. While it cautions of the "compulsive" design of these services, the resolution does not create mandatory rules.

"A clear age restriction is a solid starting point," commented the European lawmaker driving the initiative.

Britain: A Watchful Stance

For the United Kingdom, the leadership has kept open a possible ban, arguing that "nothing is off the table" but maintaining any action must be "grounded in conclusive data".

Last year, support grew behind a bill to introduce limits on social media use by under-16s, but it was ultimately weakened. However, the administration vowed to further research the matter.

Advocacy groups have raised apprehensions. A prominent charity founded by the relatives of a girl who was lost after being exposed to dangerous social media material suggests that a strict age ban may not improve online safety and could create a "sudden drop-off" of exposure when users reach the legal age.

"This ban is a response to the refusal of the Silicon Valley to build products and services that are secure and suitable for minors," stated a influential peer.

The United States: A State-by-State Approach

Across America, action is mostly unfolding at the regional level amid federal gridlock.

• Utah requires guardian permission for minors to use social media and limits nighttime use.
• Florida has signed a law barring under-14s from accessing social media, though it is entangled in legal challenges.
• The state of Virginia has approved a rule limiting minors to 60 minutes of social media access per day, with extra time requiring parental permission.
• The state of Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and Louisiana have similarly enacted bills requiring adult authorization for minors to open social media profiles.

Even with widespread concern and calls from certain figures to follow this example, a US-wide ban is currently seen as unlikely.

Worldwide Perspectives

Beyond the West, additional nations are likewise exploring options.

• Malaysia intends to restrict social media for teenagers starting from next year.
• Brazil has increased the required age for one major platform to 16.

Yet, world bodies take a more nuanced stance. The UN children's agency has cautioned that social media bans carry risks and "may even have unintended consequences". The body notes that social networks can be a "vital connection" for vulnerable children and that regulation should not be a "replacement" for tech companies to prioritize safety.

While this worldwide debate continues, the actions of Australia and several other countries show that governments globally are no longer content to wait for the industry to act voluntarily.