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The nation's bold policy to prohibit social platforms access for young people below 16 is creating waves worldwide. Politicians, safety advocates, and parents are observing closely to see if this strategy will inspire imitation for countries abroad.

European Movement

Throughout Europe, a growing chorus of nations are considering parallel restrictions.

• Denmark has announced a prohibition on social media for children under fifteen, with the prime minister declaring that smartphones and apps are "robbing our youngsters' innocence". The policy is expected to be enacted next year.
• Norway is preparing to implement a access barrier of 15, highlighting the need to safeguard the young from the "manipulative force of the recommendation systems".
• Ireland is developing a online verification tool to verify the identity and age of social media participants. Officials have stated that an similar ban is "an tools in reserve".
• In The Spanish government, the president has urged lawmakers to pass a proposal raising the legal age for using social media to 16.
• In France, the head of state has threatened a ban for under-15s, and a legislative committee has recommended a related move, potentially involving an overnight "digital curfew" for adolescents.
• The government in The Dutch government has advised guardians to prevent their kids from social media until 15.

Across the European Union, the EU parliament has approved a advisory resolution demanding a ban for under-16s except if a parent decides otherwise is given. While it highlights of the "compulsive" quality of these services, the resolution does not enact mandatory rules.

"An effective age limit is a useful starting point," said one parliamentarian supporting the initiative.

The UK: An Evidence-Based Stance

Across Britain, the administration has kept open a possible ban, stating that "no option is being dismissed" but stressing any decision must be "grounded in robust research".

Earlier, momentum gathered behind a legislative effort to enact restrictions on social media use by teenagers, but it was eventually modified. However, the administration vowed to further research the matter.

Campaign organizations have expressed warnings. A prominent charity founded by the family of a young person who died after encountering harmful platform posts argues that a strict age ban might not protect children and could create a "dangerous transition" of harm when users reach the legal age.

"This ban is a answer to the inability of the social media companies to build products and services that are appropriate and fit for young users," commented a prominent child protection advocate.

The United States: A Fragmented Picture

Across America, action is primarily happening at the state level due to national gridlock.

• Utah requires parental consent for those under 18 to use social media and restricts overnight use.
• The state of Florida has enacted a bill barring those below 14 from accessing social media, though it is subject to constitutional disputes.
• The state of Virginia has enacted a rule limiting minors to one hour of social media time per day, with any further time dependent on adult consent.
• The state of Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have likewise enacted measures demanding parental consent for minors to create social media profiles.

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

Global Outlook

Beyond these regions, further countries are similarly taking action.

• The Malaysian government plans to ban social media for those under sixteen beginning next year.
• The Brazilian authorities has lifted the access age for the platform Instagram to 16.

Yet, world organizations adopt a more measured tone. Unicef has cautioned that age-based restrictions pose dangers and "may even have unintended consequences". The organization points out that social networks can be a "critical link" for marginalized young people and that regulation should not be a "substitute" for social media firms to invest in child safeguards.

Even as this worldwide conversation unfolds, the actions of this nation and others demonstrate that governments globally are less and less willing to delay for the industry to self-regulate.