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The nation's decisive action to prohibit social media access for those under 16 is creating waves around the globe. Politicians, child protection groups, and parents are watching intently to see if this strategy will set a precedent for countries abroad.

Across Europe Trend

In Europe, a rising number of nations are exploring similar restrictions.

• Denmark has announced a prohibition on social media for children under fifteen, with the leader declaring that phones and platforms are "stealing our children's innocence". The policy could be formalized next year.
• Norway is preparing to introduce a minimum age limit of 15, citing the need to safeguard the young from the "power of the algorithms".
• Ireland is developing a digital wallet to authenticate the user details of social media users. Authorities have stated that an Australia-style ban could be "a potential measures in reserve".
• In Spain, the leader has urged parliament to approve a proposal lifting the legal age for using social media to 16.
• In The French government, the president has proposed a ban for under-15s, and a legislative committee has suggested a similar move, potentially involving an overnight "screen time restriction" for older teenagers.
• The administration in The Dutch government has urged parents to prevent their children from social media up to the age of 15.

At the EU level, the EU parliament has passed a non-binding resolution supporting a ban for minors except if a parent decides otherwise is granted. While it warns of the "addictive" quality of these services, the resolution does not establish mandatory rules.

"An effective age restriction is a good starting point," stated a leading parliamentarian supporting the resolution.

The UK: A Watchful Approach

In the UK, the government has remained open to a future ban, stating that "nothing is off the table" but insisting any decision must be "grounded in robust evidence".

Last year, interest gathered behind a bill to impose controls on social media use by under-16s, but it was ultimately weakened. However, the government vowed to further research the issue.

Advocacy groups have raised apprehensions. A prominent charity founded by the family of a teenager who took her own life after viewing dangerous social media material suggests that a strict age ban may not make platforms safer and could result in a "sudden drop-off" of exposure when users become eligible.

"This ban is a reaction to the refusal of the tech sector to design platforms and apps that are secure and suitable for children," said a prominent peer.

The US: A Fragmented Approach

Across America, action is mostly occurring at the state government level amid country-wide stalemate.

• Utah requires parental consent for minors to use social media and controls nighttime use.
• Florida has signed a bill barring children under fourteen from joining social media, though it is entangled in legal challenges.
• Virginia has approved a regulation capping teenagers to a single hour of social media use per day, with additional use requiring parental permission.
• Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have also enacted laws requiring guardian approval for teenagers to set up social media accounts.

Even with cross-party agreement and suggestions from some individuals to mimic Australia's path, a federal ban is presently seen as unlikely.

International Outlook

Beyond these regions, further countries are similarly taking action.

• Malaysia aims to restrict social media for those under sixteen starting from next year.
• The Brazilian authorities has raised the required age for one major platform to 16.

But, global bodies take a more nuanced stance. A major UN agency has warned that social media bans have downsides and "could have unintended consequences". The organization highlights that social networks can be a "lifeline" for isolated young people and that regulation should not be a "excuse" for tech companies to invest in safety.

While this international discussion evolves, the actions of this nation and its followers demonstrate that governments internationally are no longer willing to delay for tech companies to make changes on their own.