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The nation's decisive action to restrict social media access for those under 16 is sending ripples around the globe. Politicians, campaigners, and parents are watching intently to see if this strategy will set a precedent for other nations.

European Trend

In Europe, a increasing group of states are considering comparable measures.

• Denmark has stated a restriction on social media for children under fifteen, with the prime minister declaring that mobile devices and apps are "taking away our youngsters' youth". The policy may be formalized soon.
• The Norwegian government is preparing to introduce a access barrier of 15, highlighting the need to shield the young from the "manipulative force of the AI".
• Ireland is working on a digital wallet to verify the age and identity of social media account holders. Authorities have suggested that an Australian-model ban is "one of the measures under consideration".
• In Spain, the leader has called on lawmakers to pass a law raising the legal age for using social media to 16.
• In The French government, the leader has threatened a ban for children below 15, and a parliamentary commission has endorsed a related move, including an overnight "screen time restriction" for 15- to 18-year-olds.
• The authorities in The Netherlands has urged families to prevent their youngsters from social media up to the age of 15.

For the broader EU, the EU parliament has approved a symbolic statement supporting a ban for teenagers under 16 without parental consent is given. Even though it highlights of the "compulsive" nature of these apps, the resolution does not enact mandatory rules.

"A strong age barrier is a solid foundation," stated one parliamentarian supporting the measure.

Britain: A Watchful Stance

For the United Kingdom, the leadership has not ruled out a possible ban, arguing that "nothing is discarded" but stressing any action must be "based on strong evidence".

Previously, momentum built behind a proposal to enact restrictions on social media use by minors, but it was ultimately watered down. Instead, the government committed to further research the matter.

Campaign organizations have raised concerns. One foundation set up by the family of a teenager who died after being exposed to harmful platform posts argues that a strict age ban might not make platforms safer and could lead to a "cliff edge" of exposure when young people reach the legal age.

"The Australian ban is a answer to the failure of the Silicon Valley to design tools that are appropriate and suitable for children," commented a leading peer.

The United States: A Fragmented Approach

Across America, action is largely happening at the regional government level against a backdrop of national stalemate.

• Utah mandates guardian permission for minors to use social media and restricts overnight use.
• Florida has signed a bill barring under-14s from creating accounts on social media, though it faces court battles.
• Virginia has approved a rule limiting under-16s to 60 minutes of social media access per day, with any further access dependent on adult consent.
• The state of Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have likewise introduced measures requiring guardian approval for teenagers to set up social media presences.

Despite widespread concern and suggestions from some individuals to copy the Australian example, a US-wide ban is presently seen as unlikely.

Global Perspectives

Apart from Europe and the US, further countries are also exploring options.

• The Malaysian government aims to restrict social media for under-16s beginning next year.
• Brazil has lifted the minimum age for Instagram to 16.

But, global organizations take a more measured stance. The UN children's agency has advised that social media bans pose dangers and "may even backfire". The agency notes that online platforms can be a "vital connection" for marginalized children and that bans should not be a "replacement" for tech companies to improve child safeguards.

While this worldwide conversation unfolds, the actions of this nation and others indicate that policymakers around the world are increasingly prepared to delay for platforms to make changes on their own.