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The nation's decisive policy to ban social networking access for those under 16 is sparking debate internationally. Lawmakers, child protection groups, and families are watching intently to see if this approach will set a precedent for the rest of the world.

European Movement

In Europe, a rising group of countries are considering comparable measures.

• Denmark has stated a restriction on social media for children under fifteen, with the leader declaring that mobile devices and platforms are "robbing our kids' youth". The policy is expected to be enacted in the coming year.
• Norway is preparing to introduce a minimum age limit of 15, pointing to the need to safeguard young people from the "manipulative force of the AI".
• The Irish government is working on a digital wallet to confirm the age and identity of social media account holders. Officials have indicated that an similar ban remains "an tools under consideration".
• In Spain, the president has called on the legislature to enact a law increasing the minimum age for accessing social media to 16.
• In France, the president has proposed a ban for children below 15, and a government panel has suggested a similar step, alongside an overnight "internet blackout" for 15- to 18-year-olds.
• The government in The Dutch government has urged guardians to prevent their youngsters from social media before 15.

For the broader EU, the European parliament has adopted a symbolic statement calling for a ban for teenagers under 16 except if a parent decides otherwise is granted. Even though it cautions of the "habit-forming" design of these services, the resolution does not enact enforceable legislation.

"A clear age barrier is a solid first step," stated the parliamentarian driving the resolution.

The UK: An Evidence-Based Approach

Across Britain, the government has kept open a future ban, emphasizing that "no option is discarded" but insisting any action must be "based on conclusive research".

Previously, support built behind a legislative effort to introduce restrictions on social media use by teenagers, but it was eventually weakened. However, the administration vowed to investigate the topic.

Campaign organizations have expressed apprehensions. One foundation founded by the loved ones of a teenager who was lost after viewing disturbing online content suggests that a blanket age ban may not improve online safety and could create a "cliff edge" of risk when young people reach the legal age.

"This ban is a reaction to the refusal of the tech sector to design tools that are safe and age appropriate for minors," commented a leading online safety campaigner.

America: A Decentralized Approach

Stateside, action is primarily happening at the regional level amid country-wide stalemate.

• Utah requires guardian permission for minors to use social media and controls overnight use.
• The state of Florida has signed a bill banning those below 14 from accessing social media, though it is subject to legal challenges.
• The state of Virginia has enacted a rule restricting teenagers to a single hour of social media time per day, with extra access needing parental permission.
• Georgia, Tennessee, and The state of Louisiana have similarly enacted measures mandating adult authorization for under-16s to open social media accounts.

Even with cross-party agreement and proposals from some figures to follow the Australian example, a federal ban is right now seen as improbable.

International Views

Beyond these regions, additional states are similarly taking action.

• Malaysia plans to prohibit social media for under-16s effective next year.
• The Brazilian authorities has lifted the required age for the platform Instagram to 16.

But, international agencies strike a more measured stance. A major UN agency has warned that age-based restrictions carry risks and "might have unintended consequences". The body points out that social networks can be a "lifeline" for isolated young people and that bans should not be a "excuse" for social media firms to invest in user protection.

Even as this global conversation continues, the policies of this nation and others show that governments around the world are increasingly prepared to delay for platforms to act voluntarily.