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The nation's bold move to prohibit social networking access for those under 16 is creating waves internationally. Officials, safety advocates, and families are observing intently to see if this approach will become a template for the rest of the world.

Across Europe Momentum

In Europe, a rising group of nations are exploring similar measures.

• Denmark plans a ban on social media for youth below 15, with the prime minister stating that phones and apps are "robbing our children's childhood". Legislation is expected to be enacted next year.
• Norway is set to introduce a age restriction of 15, citing the need to shield children from the "manipulative force of the algorithms".
• Ireland is working on a online verification tool to confirm the age and identity of social media account holders. The media minister have stated that an Australian-model ban could be "an options under consideration".
• In Spain, the prime minister has urged parliament to pass a proposal lifting the access age for accessing social media to 16.
• In France, the leader has threatened a ban for under-15s, and a parliamentary commission has suggested a related action, alongside an overnight "screen time restriction" for older teenagers.
• The administration in The Dutch government has advised families to restrict their kids from social media before 15.

Across the European Union, the European parliament has adopted a non-binding statement supporting a ban for teenagers under 16 unless guardian approval is given. Even though it warns of the "addictive" nature of these apps, the move does not enact enforceable legislation.

"An effective age limit is a good first step," said a leading parliamentarian driving the resolution.

The United Kingdom: A Cautious Stance

In the UK, the government has remained open to a future ban, stating that "nothing is off the table" but stressing any action must be "based on strong research".

Earlier, support built behind a legislative effort to impose limits on social media use by teenagers, but it was in the end modified. However, the government vowed to investigate the issue.

Charities have expressed warnings. One foundation established by the loved ones of a teenager who was lost after being exposed to disturbing social media material suggests that a strict age ban might not protect children and could result in a "sudden drop-off" of harm when young people become eligible.

"The Australian ban is a reaction to the refusal of the Silicon Valley to create platforms and apps that are secure and age appropriate for minors," said a influential child protection advocate.

America: A Fragmented Picture

Stateside, action is primarily occurring at the state government level due to country-wide inaction.

• The state of Utah mandates guardian permission for minors to use social media and controls nighttime use.
• The state of Florida has signed a measure prohibiting children under fourteen from joining social media, though it is entangled in court battles.
• Virginia has passed a law restricting teenagers to one hour of social media access per day, with any further use requiring parental permission.
• The state of Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have also enacted laws mandating adult authorization for teenagers to create social media accounts.

Even with widespread concern and suggestions from some politicians to mimic this path, a US-wide ban is presently seen as a distant prospect.

International Views

Apart from Europe and the US, other countries are similarly considering moves.

• The Malaysian government aims to ban social media for under-16s effective next year.
• The Brazilian authorities has increased the access age for one major platform to 16.

But, international bodies adopt a more nuanced position. Unicef has advised that age-based restrictions pose dangers and "could have unintended consequences". The organization highlights that online platforms can be a "vital connection" for marginalized youth and that bans should not be a "replacement" for social media firms to improve safety.

While this worldwide discussion continues, the steps of this nation and others demonstrate that policymakers internationally are increasingly prepared to delay for platforms to self-regulate.