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The nation's controversial action to restrict social media access for individuals under sixteen is sparking debate around the globe. Officials, campaigners, and parents are monitoring closely to see if this tactic will set a precedent for the rest of the world.

Across Europe Trend

In Europe, a increasing group of states are considering similar restrictions.

• Denmark has stated a restriction on social media for youth below 15, with the PM declaring that phones and platforms are "robbing our kids' childhood". The policy may be formalized next year.
• Norway is set to introduce a access barrier of 15, pointing to the need to safeguard children from the "power of the algorithms".
• Ireland is developing a online verification tool to verify the age and identity of social media account holders. The media minister have indicated that an similar ban remains "one of the measures under consideration".
• In Spain, the leader has asked parliament to enact a bill raising the minimum age for using social media to 16.
• In France, the president has threatened a ban for under-15s, and a parliamentary commission has endorsed a similar step, including an overnight "internet blackout" for adolescents.
• The authorities in the Netherlands has urged families to prevent their kids from social media before 15.

Across the European Union, the EU parliament has approved a advisory statement supporting a ban for teenagers under 16 without guardian approval is provided. Even though it cautions of the "habit-forming" nature of these platforms, the resolution does not enact mandatory rules.

"A strong age barrier is a useful starting point," commented one parliamentarian behind the measure.

The United Kingdom: A Watchful Stance

Across Britain, the government has remained open to a potential ban, emphasizing that "no option is off the table" but insisting any action must be "grounded in conclusive data".

Last year, support grew behind a proposal to enact limits on social media use by under-16s, but it was in the end weakened. Nonetheless, the administration pledged to investigate the issue.

Advocacy groups have raised apprehensions. One foundation founded by the relatives of a teenager who took her own life after being exposed to disturbing platform posts argues that a blanket age ban may not protect children and could result in a "sudden drop-off" of harm when teens become eligible.

"Australia's ban is a reaction to the failure of the Silicon Valley to design products and services that are secure and age appropriate for young users," said a influential online safety campaigner.

The US: A Fragmented Approach

Across America, regulation is primarily unfolding at the regional level against a backdrop of federal gridlock.

• The state of Utah mandates adult approval for under-18s to use social media and controls nighttime use.
• The state of Florida has signed a measure prohibiting under-14s from accessing social media, though it faces court battles.
• Virginia has passed a regulation capping minors to 60 minutes of social media access per day, with extra time dependent on parental permission.
• The state of Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have also passed bills mandating adult authorization for under-16s to open social media presences.

Despite bipartisan support and proposals from certain individuals to copy Australia's example, a nationwide ban is right now seen as improbable.

International Perspectives

Outside of Europe and the US, further countries are similarly taking action.

• The Malaysian government intends to restrict social media for teenagers starting from next year.
• Brazil has increased the minimum age for the platform Instagram to 16.

Yet, world agencies adopt a more measured stance. Unicef has warned that social media bans carry risks and "may even have unintended consequences". The body notes that online platforms can be a "vital connection" for isolated children and that bans should not be a "replacement" for tech companies to improve safety.

Even as this worldwide debate evolves, the policies of this nation and several other countries show that governments around the world are less and less willing to delay for tech companies to make changes on their own.