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The nation's controversial action to restrict social networking access for individuals under sixteen is creating waves worldwide. Politicians, child protection groups, and parents are watching intently to see if this strategy will set a precedent for the rest of the world.

European Trend

Throughout Europe, a increasing group of nations are exploring comparable restrictions.

• Denmark has stated a ban on social media for children under fifteen, with the leader arguing that phones and platforms are "robbing our children's youth". The policy could be passed next year.
• Norway is preparing to enforce a minimum age limit of 15, pointing to the need to shield young people from the "influence of the algorithms".
• The Irish government is introducing a online verification tool to confirm the age and identity of social media users. Officials have stated that an similar ban could be "a potential options on the table".
• In The Spanish government, the president has asked lawmakers to enact a bill lifting the legal age for using social media to 16.
• In France, the head of state has floated the idea of a ban for under-15s, and a government panel has suggested a related action, including an overnight "internet blackout" for older teenagers.
• The administration in The Dutch government has urged families to block their children from social media until 15.

At the EU level, the European parliament has approved a non-binding resolution supporting a ban for teenagers under 16 unless parental consent is given. Even though it cautions of the "habit-forming" nature of these services, the resolution does not establish mandatory rules.

"A strong age limit is a solid foundation," commented one European lawmaker behind the initiative.

The UK: A Cautious Stance

For the United Kingdom, the government has remained open to a future ban, emphasizing that "no option is off the table" but maintaining any policy must be "based on strong evidence".

Earlier, support gathered behind a proposal to enact limits on social media use by under-16s, but it was eventually weakened. Nonetheless, the government vowed to conduct more studies the topic.

Advocacy groups have expressed warnings. One foundation set up by the family of a young person who took her own life after encountering disturbing online content contends that a blanket age ban might not improve online safety and could result in a "dangerous transition" of risk when users become eligible.

"This ban is a response to the refusal of the Silicon Valley to build tools that are appropriate and suitable for children," commented a prominent peer.

America: A State-by-State Approach

Across America, action is primarily happening at the local level due to federal stalemate.

• Utah demands adult approval for minors to use social media and limits late-night use.
• Florida has signed a law barring under-14s from joining social media, though it faces court battles.
• Virginia has passed a rule capping minors to one hour of social media time per day, with any further use requiring adult consent.
• Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and The state of Louisiana have similarly passed laws mandating parental consent for under-16s to set up social media presences.

Despite widespread concern and proposals from certain figures to follow Australia's lead, a nationwide ban is currently seen as improbable.

Worldwide Views

Outside of Europe and the US, other states are also taking action.

• Malaysia plans to restrict social media for under-16s effective next year.
• Brazil has raised the required age for one major platform to 16.

But, international organizations take a more nuanced position. Unicef has cautioned that social media bans have downsides and "might prove counterproductive". The organization highlights that the internet can be a "vital connection" for vulnerable youth and that government action should not be a "excuse" for platform operators to improve user protection.

As this international discussion evolves, the policies of this nation and several other countries indicate that policymakers globally are no longer willing to wait for platforms to self-regulate.