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The nation's controversial action to restrict social media access for young people below 16 is sparking debate internationally. Lawmakers, campaigners, and parents are observing with great interest to see if this approach will become a template for other nations.

European Trend

In Europe, a growing chorus of states are exploring parallel bans.

• The Danish government has stated a restriction on social media for children under fifteen, with the PM arguing that mobile devices and networks are "robbing our kids' childhood". The policy may be passed next year.
• Norway is planning to implement a access barrier of 15, pointing to the need to safeguard the young from the "influence of the AI".
• Ireland is working on a digital wallet to verify the age and identity of social media account holders. The media minister have suggested that an Australian-model ban is "a potential measures on the table".
• In Spain, the president has called on lawmakers to approve a bill increasing the minimum age for using social media to 16.
• In France, the head of state has threatened a ban for those under fifteen, and a legislative committee has endorsed a related action, including an overnight "digital curfew" for adolescents.
• The government in the Netherlands has recommended families to block their children from social media up to the age of 15.

Across the European Union, the European parliament has adopted a advisory motion demanding a ban for minors unless a parent decides otherwise is provided. Although it warns of the "habit-forming" quality of these apps, the move does not create binding law.

"A strong age limit is a useful starting point," commented a leading MEP behind the initiative.

The United Kingdom: A Cautious Eye

For the United Kingdom, the administration has not ruled out a potential ban, stating that "no option is being dismissed" but maintaining any policy must be "grounded in conclusive research".

Last year, interest grew behind a legislative effort to introduce limits on social media use by minors, but it was in the end watered down. However, the administration pledged to further research the issue.

Charities have raised apprehensions. An organization set up by the loved ones of a girl who took her own life after being exposed to dangerous social media material suggests that a simple age ban might not protect children and could lead to a "dangerous transition" of risk when young people become eligible.

"This ban is a reaction to the refusal of the Silicon Valley to design products and services that are safe and age appropriate for young users," said a leading online safety campaigner.

America: A State-by-State Landscape

In the United States, action is mostly occurring at the regional level due to national gridlock.

• The state of Utah demands guardian permission for minors to use social media and restricts overnight use.
• Florida has passed a law banning children under fourteen from creating accounts on social media, though it is entangled in constitutional disputes.
• Virginia has approved a rule capping teenagers to 60 minutes of social media use per day, with extra time needing parental permission.
• Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and Louisiana have similarly passed measures requiring adult authorization for teenagers to open social media profiles.

Even with bipartisan support and suggestions from certain politicians to follow Australia's path, a US-wide ban is presently seen as improbable.

Worldwide Views

Beyond these regions, additional countries are similarly taking action.

• Malaysia intends to restrict social media for those under sixteen starting from next year.
• Brazil has raised the required age for one major platform to 16.

Yet, international bodies take a more cautious position. The UN children's agency has warned that blanket prohibitions have downsides and "may even backfire". The body points out that social networks can be a "critical link" for vulnerable youth and that bans should not be a "substitute" for platform operators to invest in user protection.

As this global conversation unfolds, the policies of this nation and several other countries show that policymakers internationally are increasingly willing to delay for the industry to make changes on their own.