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The nation's decisive move to prohibit social media access for young people below 16 is sparking debate around the globe. Politicians, campaigners, and guardians are watching intently to see if this approach will become a template for other nations.

European Movement

In Europe, a rising chorus of nations are considering comparable measures.

• Denmark has announced a prohibition on social media for under-15s, with the prime minister arguing that smartphones and networks are "taking away our kids' innocence". The policy is expected to be passed soon.
• Norway is planning to enforce a access barrier of 15, pointing to the need to safeguard young people from the "manipulative force of the algorithms".
• The Irish government is working on a digital wallet to authenticate the age and identity of social media users. Officials have stated that an Australian-model ban could be "an tools on the table".
• In Spain, the leader has asked lawmakers to pass a law lifting the minimum age for accessing social media to 16.
• In The French government, the president has floated the idea of a ban for those under fifteen, and a legislative committee has recommended a comparable action, alongside an overnight "screen time restriction" for adolescents.
• The government in the Netherlands has urged families to restrict their youngsters from social media up to the age of 15.

At the EU level, the European parliament has passed a non-binding motion calling for a ban for minors without parental consent is provided. Even though it cautions of the "addictive" quality of these services, the step does not enact enforceable legislation.

"An effective age restriction is a solid first step," said one European lawmaker behind the measure.

The United Kingdom: An Evidence-Based Eye

For the United Kingdom, the government has not ruled out a future ban, stating that "no measure is being dismissed" but stressing any action must be "based on conclusive evidence".

Earlier, momentum gathered behind a proposal to impose restrictions on social media use by under-16s, but it was ultimately watered down. However, the administration committed to investigate the issue.

Advocacy groups have expressed warnings. A prominent charity set up by the family of a young person who took her own life after viewing disturbing social media material contends that a simple age ban might not improve online safety and could result in a "sudden drop-off" of risk when users turn 16.

"Australia's ban is a reaction to the inability of the Silicon Valley to design tools that are secure and fit for children," stated a prominent peer.

The United States: A Decentralized Landscape

Across America, action is largely happening at the regional level due to national inaction.

• The state of Utah demands adult approval for under-18s to use social media and limits overnight use.
• The state of Florida has enacted a law barring children under fourteen from joining social media, though it is entangled in legal challenges.
• Virginia has approved a rule restricting teenagers to 60 minutes of social media access per day, with any further time dependent on adult consent.
• Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have also enacted laws demanding parental consent for teenagers to open social media profiles.

Despite widespread concern and proposals from certain individuals to mimic this example, a federal ban is right now seen as unlikely.

International Outlook

Apart from these regions, additional nations are similarly exploring options.

• The Malaysian government intends to restrict social media for under-16s beginning next year.
• The Brazilian authorities has increased the minimum age for the platform Instagram to 16.

But, world bodies adopt a more measured position. A major UN agency has advised that blanket prohibitions carry risks and "might prove counterproductive". The body notes that the internet can be a "critical link" for marginalized young people and that regulation should not be a "replacement" for tech companies to improve child safeguards.

As this international discussion continues, the policies of this nation and several other countries show that governments globally are less and less content to stand by for platforms to self-regulate.