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The nation's decisive action to ban social media access for those under 16 is creating waves around the globe. Politicians, campaigners, and guardians are observing intently to see if this strategy will inspire imitation for the rest of the world.

Across Europe Trend

Across Europe, a growing group of states are considering parallel restrictions.

• The Danish government has announced a ban on social media for children under fifteen, with the prime minister stating that mobile devices and networks are "taking away our kids' innocence". The policy may be passed in the coming year.
• Norway is planning to introduce a minimum age limit of 15, pointing to the need to protect young people from the "power of the recommendation systems".
• Ireland is developing a digital ID system to confirm the age and identity of social media users. The media minister have stated that an similar ban could be "one of the measures on the table".
• In Spain, the prime minister has asked parliament to enact a proposal increasing the access age for accessing social media to 16.
• In The French government, the leader has floated the idea of a ban for those under fifteen, and a legislative committee has suggested a similar step, alongside an overnight "internet blackout" for adolescents.
• The government in the Netherlands has urged guardians to prevent their kids from social media until 15.

At the EU level, the EU parliament has approved a non-binding statement demanding a ban for minors unless guardian approval is granted. Even though it warns of the "compulsive" quality of these apps, the step does not create enforceable legislation.

"A strong age limit is a useful first step," commented the MEP supporting the measure.

The United Kingdom: An Evidence-Based Stance

Across Britain, the leadership has kept open a potential ban, arguing that "no option is discarded" but stressing any action must be "supported by strong evidence".

Earlier, support grew behind a bill to impose restrictions on social media use by teenagers, but it was in the end watered down. However, the government committed to investigate the issue.

Charities have voiced warnings. An organization founded by the family of a girl who died after viewing dangerous platform posts suggests that a strict age ban may not protect children and could lead to a "cliff edge" of exposure when teens become eligible.

"This ban is a reaction to the inability of the Silicon Valley to create products and services that are appropriate and fit for minors," stated a prominent peer.

The US: A Decentralized Landscape

Across America, regulation is largely unfolding at the local government level due to national stalemate.

• The state of Utah demands parental consent for under-18s to use social media and restricts nighttime use.
• The state of Florida has enacted a bill barring under-14s from creating accounts on social media, though it is subject to legal challenges.
• Virginia has enacted a rule capping teenagers to one hour of social media use per day, with any further time needing adult consent.
• Georgia, Tennessee, and The state of Louisiana have similarly passed laws demanding parental consent for minors to set up social media accounts.

Even with widespread concern and proposals from certain figures to follow this lead, a US-wide ban is presently seen as a distant prospect.

Worldwide Views

Outside of these regions, additional states are also considering moves.

• Malaysia intends to restrict social media for under-16s effective next year.
• Brazil has raised the minimum age for the platform Instagram to 16.

But, international bodies take a more nuanced stance. The UN children's agency has advised that social media bans pose dangers and "might prove counterproductive". The organization points out that social networks can be a "vital connection" for isolated children and that bans should not be a "replacement" for platform operators to prioritize safety.

Even as this international conversation continues, the steps of the Australian government and its followers indicate that governments globally are increasingly willing to stand by for platforms to act voluntarily.