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The nation's controversial action to prohibit social media access for young people below 16 is creating waves worldwide. Lawmakers, campaigners, and families are monitoring closely to see if this strategy will inspire imitation for the rest of the world.

The European Movement

Throughout Europe, a increasing chorus of states are considering comparable measures.

• The Danish government plans a ban on social media for under-15s, with the leader declaring that smartphones and apps are "taking away our children's childhood". The policy may be passed soon.
• The Norwegian government is preparing to introduce a minimum age limit of 15, citing the need to safeguard young people from the "influence of the recommendation systems".
• The Irish government is developing a digital ID system to authenticate the user details of social media users. Authorities have stated that an Australian-model ban is "one of the measures under consideration".
• In Spain, the president has asked lawmakers to pass a bill lifting the access age for using social media to 16.
• In France, the president has threatened a ban for those under fifteen, and a legislative committee has endorsed a similar action, potentially involving an overnight "digital curfew" for 15- to 18-year-olds.
• The government in The Netherlands has recommended families to block their kids from social media up to the age of 15.

For the broader EU, the European parliament has approved a symbolic motion demanding a ban for teenagers under 16 without guardian approval is provided. While it highlights of the "habit-forming" design of these apps, the move does not enact enforceable legislation.

"A strong age restriction is a good starting point," stated the MEP behind the measure.

The United Kingdom: A Watchful Stance

Across Britain, the administration has kept open a future ban, arguing that "no measure is off the table" but insisting any decision must be "grounded in strong evidence".

Earlier, support built behind a legislative effort to enact restrictions on social media use by minors, but it was in the end watered down. However, the administration pledged to investigate the topic.

Campaign organizations have voiced warnings. An organization founded by the family of a teenager who was lost after encountering dangerous social media material suggests that a strict age ban could fail to make platforms safer and could create a "dangerous transition" of exposure when users reach the legal age.

"Australia's ban is a response to the refusal of the Silicon Valley to build platforms and apps that are secure and fit for minors," commented a prominent online safety campaigner.

America: A Decentralized Approach

In the United States, action is largely unfolding at the regional government level amid federal stalemate.

• The state of Utah requires guardian permission for those under 18 to use social media and controls nighttime use.
• The state of Florida has passed a law prohibiting those below 14 from joining social media, though it faces legal challenges.
• Virginia has enacted a law restricting teenagers to a single hour of social media use per day, with extra use dependent on a guardian's okay.
• Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have likewise introduced bills mandating guardian approval for minors to set up social media presences.

Even with cross-party agreement and proposals from some figures to mimic the Australian path, a US-wide ban is right now seen as a distant prospect.

Worldwide Perspectives

Outside of these regions, additional countries are similarly considering moves.

• Malaysia intends to restrict social media for under-16s starting from next year.
• Brazil has increased the required age for the platform Instagram to 16.

But, world organizations strike a more measured position. A major UN agency has advised that blanket prohibitions pose dangers and "could prove counterproductive". The body highlights that the internet can be a "critical link" for isolated children and that regulation should not be a "substitute" for tech companies to improve child safeguards.

While this global debate evolves, the actions of this nation and others demonstrate that states globally are less and less prepared to stand by for tech companies to act voluntarily.