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The nation's controversial policy to restrict social networking access for young people below 16 is sparking debate around the globe. Lawmakers, safety advocates, and families are monitoring intently to see if this approach will become a template for the rest of the world.

The European Momentum

Across Europe, a rising chorus of countries are moving toward comparable measures.

• Denmark plans a prohibition on social media for children under fifteen, with the prime minister arguing that phones and platforms are "taking away our kids' childhood". The policy is expected to be passed next year.
• Norway is preparing to implement a age restriction of 15, pointing to the need to protect children from the "manipulative force of the algorithms".
• Ireland is introducing a online verification tool to authenticate the identity and age of social media account holders. Officials have indicated that an similar ban is "one of the tools in reserve".
• In Spain, the president has urged the legislature to approve a proposal lifting the minimum age for joining social media to 16.
• In France, the head of state has proposed a ban for those under fifteen, and a government panel has suggested a comparable step, potentially involving an overnight "screen time restriction" for adolescents.
• The authorities in the Netherlands has advised parents to block their youngsters from social media before 15.

Across the European Union, the European parliament has passed a symbolic statement demanding a ban for minors except if a parent decides otherwise is given. Even though it highlights of the "compulsive" design of these apps, the resolution does not enact enforceable legislation.

"An effective age restriction is a solid first step," stated a leading MEP behind the resolution.

The UK: An Evidence-Based Approach

For the United Kingdom, the leadership has remained open to a possible ban, emphasizing that "no measure is being dismissed" but maintaining any decision must be "based on strong data".

Last year, interest built behind a proposal to enact restrictions on social media use by under-16s, but it was ultimately watered down. Instead, the government committed to conduct more studies the topic.

Campaign organizations have voiced concerns. One foundation set up by the family of a girl who took her own life after encountering harmful social media material suggests that a blanket age ban might not protect children and could result in a "cliff edge" of harm when users reach the legal age.

"The Australian ban is a response to the inability of the Silicon Valley to build platforms and apps that are appropriate and suitable for young users," said a prominent online safety campaigner.

The United States: A Decentralized Picture

In the United States, action is primarily unfolding at the local government level against a backdrop of federal stalemate.

• The state of Utah requires guardian permission for those under 18 to use social media and restricts late-night use.
• Florida has signed a law barring under-14s from creating accounts on social media, though it faces constitutional disputes.
• Virginia has enacted a rule limiting teenagers to one hour of social media time per day, with extra use needing a guardian's okay.
• Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and The state of Louisiana have also passed bills demanding adult authorization for teenagers to open social media presences.

Even with bipartisan support and proposals from certain politicians to copy the Australian example, a federal ban is currently seen as improbable.

Global Outlook

Outside of Europe and the US, additional nations are also exploring options.

• Malaysia aims to ban social media for teenagers effective next year.
• Brazil has lifted the required age for the platform Instagram to 16.

But, world agencies strike a more nuanced position. Unicef has cautioned that age-based restrictions pose dangers and "might have unintended consequences". The agency highlights that social networks can be a "vital connection" for vulnerable children and that regulation should not be a "excuse" for platform operators to invest in user protection.

Even as this worldwide discussion evolves, the steps of this nation and its followers show that states globally are increasingly prepared to stand by for the industry to act voluntarily.