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The nation's controversial move to restrict social networking access for young people below 16 is creating waves internationally. Officials, child protection groups, and parents are monitoring with great interest to see if this strategy will inspire imitation for the rest of the world.

European Trend

Throughout Europe, a growing chorus of states are considering similar measures.

• Denmark plans a restriction on social media for children under fifteen, with the leader declaring that phones and apps are "taking away our kids' innocence". Legislation could be formalized in the coming year.
• Norway is preparing to introduce a age restriction of 15, citing the need to protect young people from the "power of the algorithms".
• Ireland is developing a digital wallet to verify the identity and age of social media users. Officials have suggested that an similar ban remains "a potential options on the table".
• In Spain, the leader has urged parliament to pass a bill lifting the minimum age for joining social media to 16.
• In France, the head of state has proposed a ban for under-15s, and a legislative committee has suggested a comparable step, potentially involving an overnight "internet blackout" for older teenagers.
• The government in The Dutch government has advised families to prevent their youngsters from social media until 15.

Across the European Union, the EU parliament has adopted a non-binding resolution supporting a ban for under-16s without guardian approval is granted. Although it warns of the "addictive" nature of these services, the resolution does not enact mandatory rules.

"A strong age barrier is a solid foundation," said a leading MEP supporting the resolution.

Britain: An Evidence-Based Eye

In the UK, the government has kept open a possible ban, stating that "nothing is off the table" but stressing any policy must be "supported by robust data".

Previously, interest built behind a legislative effort to introduce restrictions on social media use by under-16s, but it was ultimately watered down. However, the government pledged to investigate the topic.

Charities have expressed concerns. An organization set up by the loved ones of a girl who died after encountering harmful social media material suggests that a simple age ban may not protect children and could create a "sudden drop-off" of exposure when teens become eligible.

"This ban is a answer to the inability of the social media companies to create platforms and apps that are secure and suitable for children," stated a leading online safety campaigner.

The United States: A Decentralized Landscape

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

• The state of Utah mandates parental consent for those under 18 to use social media and controls late-night use.
• The state of Florida has signed a bill banning children under fourteen from joining social media, though it faces court battles.
• The state of Virginia has passed a rule capping under-16s to a single hour of social media access per day, with additional access requiring parental permission.
• The state of Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have likewise introduced bills requiring adult authorization for under-16s to open social media accounts.

Even with widespread concern and proposals from some figures to copy Australia's path, a nationwide ban is right now seen as unlikely.

Global Perspectives

Outside of Europe and the US, additional states are also considering moves.

• The Malaysian government plans to restrict social media for teenagers beginning next year.
• Brazil has lifted the required age for one major platform to 16.

Yet, world agencies strike a more cautious tone. Unicef has warned that age-based restrictions carry risks and "could have unintended consequences". The organization points out that online platforms can be a "lifeline" for isolated youth and that government action should not be a "excuse" for tech companies to prioritize child safeguards.

While this global discussion continues, the actions of this nation and its followers indicate that states around the world are less and less content to stand by for tech companies to make changes on their own.