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The nation's decisive action to restrict social media access for individuals under sixteen is sparking debate around the globe. Lawmakers, child protection groups, and guardians are observing closely to see if this strategy will inspire imitation for the rest of the world.

Across Europe Momentum

Across Europe, a rising group of countries are considering parallel bans.

• Denmark plans a restriction on social media for under-15s, with the prime minister arguing that phones and apps are "taking away our youngsters' youth". The policy is expected to be passed in the coming year.
• Norway is planning to introduce a minimum age limit of 15, pointing to the need to protect children from the "influence of the algorithms".
• Ireland is introducing a online verification tool to authenticate the identity and age of social media users. The media minister have suggested that an Australian-model ban could be "an options under consideration".
• In The Spanish government, the leader has asked the legislature to approve a proposal lifting the legal age for joining social media to 16.
• In France, the leader has floated the idea of a ban for those under fifteen, and a legislative committee has suggested a related action, potentially involving an overnight "screen time restriction" for adolescents.
• The government in The Dutch government has urged families to block their children from social media up to the age of 15.

At the EU level, the bloc's legislature has adopted a advisory motion demanding a ban for minors except if guardian approval is given. While it highlights of the "compulsive" design of these services, the move does not create binding law.

"A strong age restriction is a useful first step," said one MEP supporting the measure.

The United Kingdom: A Cautious Stance

For the United Kingdom, the leadership has kept open a possible ban, emphasizing that "nothing is discarded" but insisting any decision must be "grounded in strong data".

Previously, support gathered behind a legislative effort to impose controls on social media use by teenagers, but it was in the end modified. Instead, the administration vowed to investigate the matter.

Charities have raised warnings. One foundation set up by the family of a young person who was lost after viewing dangerous online content argues that a blanket age ban might not protect children and could result in a "dangerous transition" of risk when young people become eligible.

"This ban is a response to the failure of the tech sector to create products and services that are appropriate and fit for young users," said a leading child protection advocate.

America: A Decentralized Approach

Stateside, regulation is largely occurring at the local government level due to national stalemate.

• The state of Utah requires parental consent for under-18s to use social media and controls overnight use.
• The state of Florida has signed a law prohibiting those below 14 from joining social media, though it is entangled in legal challenges.
• Virginia has enacted a law capping minors to a single hour of social media use per day, with extra access dependent on adult consent.
• Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and Louisiana have also passed measures requiring parental consent for teenagers to set up social media presences.

Despite bipartisan support and calls from certain politicians to copy Australia's lead, a federal ban is right now seen as a distant prospect.

International Perspectives

Outside of these regions, further states are likewise taking action.

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

However, global agencies adopt a more cautious stance. The UN children's agency has advised that blanket prohibitions carry risks and "may even have unintended consequences". The agency notes that online platforms can be a "critical link" for isolated children and that bans should not be a "replacement" for platform operators to invest in user protection.

While this global conversation evolves, the actions of this nation and several other countries show that policymakers around the world are no longer willing to delay for tech companies to self-regulate.