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The nation's controversial action to restrict social media access for young people below 16 is sparking debate around the globe. Officials, safety advocates, and families are observing closely to see if this tactic will set a precedent for other nations.

Across Europe Movement

Across Europe, a increasing chorus of countries are considering comparable bans.

• The Danish government has announced a ban on social media for under-15s, with the PM stating that phones and networks are "stealing our kids' youth". A law could be formalized in the coming year.
• The Norwegian government is planning to enforce a access barrier of 15, pointing to the need to shield young people from the "manipulative force of the algorithms".
• Ireland is working on a online verification tool to authenticate the identity and age of social media users. The media minister have stated that an Australian-model ban remains "a potential measures on the table".
• In Spain, the prime minister has asked parliament to enact a law lifting the legal age for accessing social media to 16.
• In France, the president has floated the idea of a ban for under-15s, and a legislative committee has endorsed a comparable step, including an overnight "screen time restriction" for older teenagers.
• The authorities in the Netherlands has recommended guardians to block their kids from social media before 15.

Across the European Union, the bloc's legislature has passed a symbolic resolution supporting a ban for teenagers under 16 without guardian approval is given. Even though it warns of the "habit-forming" design of these apps, the step does not enact binding law.

"A strong age barrier is a good foundation," stated the European lawmaker behind the measure.

The United Kingdom: A Cautious Stance

In the UK, the leadership has remained open to a future ban, arguing that "nothing is discarded" but maintaining any policy must be "based on robust data".

Last year, support gathered behind a bill to enact controls on social media use by teenagers, but it was in the end weakened. Nonetheless, the government pledged to investigate the issue.

Advocacy groups have voiced warnings. One foundation established by the loved ones of a young person who was lost after encountering harmful platform posts argues that a simple age ban may not protect children and could create a "dangerous transition" of risk when young people turn 16.

"The Australian ban is a response to the refusal of the social media companies to create products and services that are safe and age appropriate for children," stated a prominent peer.

The United States: A State-by-State Landscape

In the United States, regulation is largely unfolding at the local level due to country-wide stalemate.

• Utah requires parental consent for those under 18 to use social media and restricts nighttime use.
• Florida has signed a bill barring under-14s from creating accounts on social media, though it is subject to constitutional disputes.
• The state of Virginia has passed a regulation limiting under-16s to one hour of social media access per day, with additional access dependent on parental permission.
• Georgia, Tennessee, and The state of Louisiana have also passed bills requiring guardian approval for teenagers to create social media profiles.

Even with widespread concern and proposals from certain politicians to mimic this example, a nationwide ban is right now seen as a distant prospect.

Global Views

Apart from Europe and the US, other countries are also considering moves.

• The Malaysian government plans to prohibit social media for under-16s effective next year.
• The Brazilian authorities has increased the required age for one major platform to 16.

However, world organizations adopt a more cautious tone. A major UN agency has warned that age-based restrictions have downsides and "may even backfire". The organization notes that the internet can be a "vital connection" for marginalized children and that regulation should not be a "substitute" for social media firms to invest in safety.

While this international debate unfolds, the steps of this nation and others indicate that states globally are increasingly content to delay for platforms to make changes on their own.