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The nation's decisive move to restrict social media access for those under 16 is sending ripples worldwide. Politicians, child protection groups, and guardians are watching intently to see if this strategy will set a precedent for countries abroad.

European Trend

Throughout Europe, a increasing group of states are moving toward parallel restrictions.

• Denmark has announced a prohibition on social media for children under fifteen, with the prime minister stating that phones and platforms are "stealing our kids' childhood". The policy is expected to be enacted next year.
• Norway is preparing to enforce a access barrier of 15, citing the need to safeguard young people from the "influence of the algorithms".
• Ireland is introducing a online verification tool to verify the identity and age of social media participants. Officials have suggested that an similar ban is "one of the options on the table".
• In Spain, the leader has called on lawmakers to approve a law raising the legal age for accessing social media to 16.
• In France, the leader has floated the idea of a ban for children below 15, and a legislative committee has recommended a comparable move, potentially involving an overnight "digital curfew" for adolescents.
• The authorities in The Dutch government has advised guardians to prevent their children from social media up to the age of 15.

At the EU level, the European parliament has approved a non-binding resolution supporting a ban for under-16s without parental consent is granted. While it cautions of the "compulsive" quality of these services, the step does not create mandatory rules.

"An effective age limit is a good starting point," commented the European lawmaker behind the measure.

The UK: A Cautious Approach

Across Britain, the administration has kept open a potential ban, arguing that "nothing is being dismissed" but maintaining any action must be "based on robust evidence".

Previously, interest built behind a legislative effort to introduce restrictions on social media use by teenagers, but it was ultimately watered down. Instead, the government pledged to conduct more studies the issue.

Campaign organizations have raised apprehensions. A prominent charity founded by the relatives of a girl who was lost after encountering harmful online content contends that a blanket age ban might not make platforms safer and could lead to a "cliff edge" of exposure when young people become eligible.

"This ban is a response to the failure of the Silicon Valley to create platforms and apps that are appropriate and age appropriate for minors," said a prominent peer.

The US: A State-by-State Approach

In the United States, action is largely unfolding at the regional government level against a backdrop of national stalemate.

• The state of Utah demands adult approval for under-18s to use social media and controls nighttime use.
• The state of Florida has enacted a bill banning children under fourteen from accessing social media, though it is entangled in court battles.
• The state of Virginia has passed a regulation capping teenagers to a single hour of social media use per day, with any further time needing adult consent.
• Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and Louisiana have similarly enacted measures requiring guardian approval for under-16s to set up social media presences.

Even with cross-party agreement and calls from certain individuals to mimic this path, a federal ban is presently seen as improbable.

International Outlook

Beyond these regions, further countries are similarly considering moves.

• Malaysia aims to prohibit social media for those under sixteen effective next year.
• Brazil has raised the required age for one major platform to 16.

Yet, world bodies take a more cautious tone. Unicef has cautioned that social media bans pose dangers and "could backfire". The body points out that online platforms can be a "lifeline" for marginalized youth and that regulation should not be a "replacement" for social media firms to prioritize user protection.

As this international discussion continues, the actions of the Australian government and others show that governments globally are increasingly content to delay for tech companies to self-regulate.