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The nation's bold move to restrict social platforms access for those under 16 is sending ripples internationally. Officials, child protection groups, and parents are monitoring intently to see if this tactic will inspire imitation for countries abroad.

Across Europe Momentum

Across Europe, a growing number of nations are exploring similar measures.

• The Danish government has stated a prohibition on social media for children under fifteen, with the PM arguing that mobile devices and platforms are "taking away our children's childhood". Legislation could be formalized in the coming year.
• Norway is set to enforce a age restriction of 15, pointing to the need to protect children from the "influence of the algorithms".
• The Irish government is working on a digital ID system to confirm the age and identity of social media account holders. Authorities have suggested that an Australia-style ban is "one of the measures on the table".
• In The Spanish government, the leader has called on the legislature to approve a bill lifting the legal age for joining social media to 16.
• In France, the president has proposed a ban for under-15s, and a government panel has endorsed a related step, including an overnight "internet blackout" for 15- to 18-year-olds.
• The administration in The Netherlands has urged parents to prevent their children from social media until 15.

Across the European Union, the EU parliament has passed a advisory motion calling for a ban for minors except if parental consent is provided. Even though it highlights of the "compulsive" nature of these platforms, the move does not establish enforceable legislation.

"An effective age barrier is a solid first step," said the MEP driving the measure.

The UK: A Watchful Eye

For the United Kingdom, the government has not ruled out a potential ban, stating that "nothing is off the table" but stressing any policy must be "based on robust evidence".

Last year, interest grew behind a legislative effort to enact limits on social media use by minors, but it was ultimately modified. However, the administration committed to conduct more studies the topic.

Charities have expressed warnings. An organization set up by the relatives of a young person who died after being exposed to harmful online content argues that a simple age ban might not protect children and could lead to a "sudden drop-off" of harm when teens reach the legal age.

"Australia's ban is a reaction to the inability of the tech sector to design tools that are appropriate and age appropriate for young users," said a leading child protection advocate.

America: A Decentralized Landscape

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

• The state of Utah mandates guardian permission for those under 18 to use social media and limits overnight use.
• Florida has enacted a measure barring those below 14 from accessing social media, though it is subject to constitutional disputes.
• The state of Virginia has approved a law restricting teenagers to 60 minutes of social media time per day, with extra access dependent on a guardian's okay.
• The state of Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have also introduced bills requiring adult authorization for teenagers to open social media presences.

Despite widespread concern and proposals from various figures to follow this example, a federal ban is right now seen as unlikely.

Global Views

Beyond the West, other nations are similarly exploring options.

• Malaysia intends to prohibit social media for those under sixteen beginning next year.
• Brazil has lifted the required age for one major platform to 16.

But, international agencies strike a more cautious position. Unicef has warned that social media bans carry risks and "may even have unintended consequences". The body notes that social networks can be a "critical link" for marginalized children and that bans should not be a "substitute" for social media firms to improve user protection.

As this international debate continues, the policies of this nation and several other countries demonstrate that policymakers globally are less and less willing to stand by for tech companies to self-regulate.