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The nation's controversial action to ban social media access for young people below 16 is sparking debate around the globe. Lawmakers, child protection groups, and families are observing with great interest to see if this tactic will become a template for the rest of the world.

The European Trend

In Europe, a growing number of nations are considering comparable measures.

• The Danish government plans a restriction on social media for under-15s, with the prime minister declaring that mobile devices and platforms are "robbing our kids' youth". A law could be enacted soon.
• The Norwegian government is preparing to enforce a age restriction of 15, highlighting the need to shield the young from the "power of the algorithms".
• The Irish government is developing a digital wallet to confirm the identity and age of social media users. Officials have suggested that an similar ban could be "a potential measures in reserve".
• In Spain, the leader has called on lawmakers to pass a bill lifting the legal age for joining social media to 16.
• In The French government, the president has proposed a ban for children below 15, and a government panel has suggested a related move, alongside an overnight "screen time restriction" for adolescents.
• The authorities in The Dutch government has urged guardians to prevent their kids from social media before 15.

At the EU level, the European parliament has adopted a advisory motion demanding a ban for teenagers under 16 unless a parent decides otherwise is given. While it warns of the "addictive" quality of these platforms, the step does not enact enforceable legislation.

"A strong age limit is a solid starting point," said a leading MEP behind the resolution.

The UK: An Evidence-Based Stance

Across Britain, the administration has not ruled out a potential ban, arguing that "no option is being dismissed" but maintaining any action must be "based on robust evidence".

Last year, momentum grew behind a proposal to enact restrictions on social media use by teenagers, but it was in the end modified. However, the government vowed to conduct more studies the matter.

Charities have voiced apprehensions. One foundation established by the family of a teenager who took her own life after encountering harmful online content suggests that a simple age ban might not improve online safety and could create a "dangerous transition" of harm when young people reach the legal age.

"The Australian ban is a answer to the failure of the social media companies to design tools that are safe and suitable for children," said a influential online safety campaigner.

The US: A Fragmented Landscape

Across America, regulation is primarily occurring at the state government level due to country-wide stalemate.

• The state of Utah requires parental consent for under-18s to use social media and restricts late-night use.
• The state of Florida has passed a law barring under-14s from creating accounts on social media, though it is subject to legal challenges.
• The state of Virginia has passed a law limiting minors to 60 minutes of social media time per day, with additional access dependent on parental permission.
• Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have likewise passed measures requiring parental consent for minors to create social media profiles.

Despite bipartisan support and proposals from some figures to follow Australia's example, a nationwide ban is presently seen as a distant prospect.

Worldwide Outlook

Outside of the West, additional countries are likewise exploring options.

• Malaysia aims to restrict social media for teenagers effective next year.
• The Brazilian authorities has increased the access age for the platform Instagram to 16.

Yet, world agencies strike a more measured tone. Unicef has advised that social media bans pose dangers and "could prove counterproductive". The organization highlights that social networks can be a "vital connection" for marginalized children and that government action should not be a "replacement" for social media firms to prioritize safety.

While this global discussion evolves, the steps of this nation and several other countries demonstrate that policymakers around the world are increasingly prepared to delay for platforms to make changes on their own.