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The nation's bold move to restrict social platforms access for individuals under sixteen is sending ripples worldwide. Lawmakers, child protection groups, and parents are watching closely to see if this approach will set a precedent for the rest of the world.

European Movement

In Europe, a increasing number of countries are moving toward similar measures.

• Denmark has stated a prohibition on social media for under-15s, with the leader declaring that phones and networks are "robbing our youngsters' youth". Legislation is expected to be passed soon.
• Norway is planning to implement a minimum age limit of 15, highlighting the need to shield young people from the "influence of the recommendation systems".
• Ireland is working on a online verification tool to authenticate the identity and age of social media participants. Authorities have stated that an Australian-model ban is "a potential measures in reserve".
• In Spain, the president has called on lawmakers to pass a proposal increasing the minimum age for accessing social media to 16.
• In The French government, the president has threatened a ban for children below 15, and a legislative committee has recommended a related action, including an overnight "digital curfew" for adolescents.
• The administration in The Netherlands has urged families to restrict their youngsters from social media before 15.

Across the European Union, the EU parliament has adopted a advisory statement calling for a ban for under-16s unless guardian approval is granted. Even though it highlights of the "addictive" design of these platforms, the step does not enact mandatory rules.

"A strong age restriction is a useful starting point," stated a leading parliamentarian behind the resolution.

The UK: A Watchful Eye

In the UK, the administration has kept open a potential ban, arguing that "no option is discarded" but insisting any decision must be "based on strong evidence".

Earlier, support grew behind a bill to introduce controls on social media use by minors, but it was ultimately weakened. However, the government committed to investigate the matter.

Campaign organizations have raised concerns. An organization established by the loved ones of a young person who was lost after being exposed to harmful online content contends that a simple age ban could fail to make platforms safer and could lead to a "dangerous transition" of risk when teens become eligible.

"The Australian ban is a answer to the refusal of the tech sector to create tools that are safe and fit for children," said a leading online safety campaigner.

America: A Decentralized Approach

Stateside, action is primarily happening at the regional government level amid federal gridlock.

• Utah demands adult approval for under-18s to use social media and controls nighttime use.
• The state of Florida has enacted a measure barring those below 14 from accessing social media, though it is entangled in legal challenges.
• Virginia has approved a rule capping teenagers to one hour of social media time per day, with any further use requiring adult consent.
• The state of Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and Louisiana have also enacted laws mandating guardian approval for minors to open social media presences.

Even with bipartisan support and proposals from various individuals to mimic this lead, a nationwide ban is right now seen as unlikely.

Global Views

Outside of these regions, other states are also considering moves.

• The Malaysian government aims to ban social media for teenagers starting from next year.
• The Brazilian authorities has increased the required age for the platform Instagram to 16.

But, international organizations adopt a more cautious position. A major UN agency has warned that age-based restrictions have downsides and "might have unintended consequences". The organization points out that social networks can be a "lifeline" for marginalized children and that government action should not be a "excuse" for social media firms to prioritize child safeguards.

Even as this international conversation evolves, the policies of this nation and its followers show that policymakers internationally are increasingly willing to stand by for tech companies to make changes on their own.