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The nation's controversial action to restrict social networking access for those under 16 is sending ripples internationally. Officials, safety advocates, and families are watching intently to see if this strategy will set a precedent for countries abroad.

European Trend

In Europe, a rising chorus of nations are moving toward similar measures.

• Denmark plans a prohibition on social media for under-15s, with the leader stating that phones and networks are "stealing our youngsters' innocence". Legislation could be enacted in the coming year.
• The Norwegian government is planning to enforce a access barrier of 15, citing the need to protect young people from the "influence of the recommendation systems".
• The Irish government is introducing a digital ID system to confirm the user details of social media users. The media minister have suggested that an Australian-model ban is "a potential options on the table".
• In The Spanish government, the president has asked lawmakers to approve a bill increasing the minimum age for accessing social media to 16.
• In France, the head of state has threatened a ban for those under fifteen, and a legislative committee has endorsed a related move, including an overnight "screen time restriction" for adolescents.
• The government in the Netherlands has urged families to block their kids from social media up to the age of 15.

For the broader EU, the European parliament has passed a non-binding statement supporting a ban for under-16s unless a parent decides otherwise is granted. While it warns of the "compulsive" design of these platforms, the move does not create enforceable legislation.

"A strong age restriction is a solid starting point," said a leading parliamentarian behind the initiative.

The United Kingdom: A Watchful Approach

Across Britain, the administration has not ruled out a possible ban, stating that "no option is being dismissed" but stressing any action must be "supported by strong data".

Previously, interest built behind a bill to enact limits on social media use by minors, but it was in the end watered down. Nonetheless, the government vowed to conduct more studies the matter.

Advocacy groups have expressed apprehensions. One foundation set up by the loved ones of a girl who was lost after being exposed to disturbing online content suggests that a blanket age ban might not protect children and could create a "cliff edge" of harm when teens turn 16.

"Australia's ban is a response to the inability of the Silicon Valley to create tools that are secure and fit for young users," commented a prominent peer.

America: A State-by-State Landscape

Across America, regulation is primarily occurring at the local level amid country-wide gridlock.

• The state of Utah mandates adult approval for minors to use social media and limits late-night use.
• The state of Florida has signed a measure banning those below 14 from accessing social media, though it is entangled in constitutional disputes.
• Virginia has passed a regulation restricting under-16s to 60 minutes of social media use per day, with extra use requiring adult consent.
• Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and Louisiana have similarly passed measures mandating parental consent for under-16s to create social media accounts.

Even with widespread concern and calls from certain figures to follow the Australian path, a nationwide ban is presently seen as a distant prospect.

Global Outlook

Outside of the West, additional states are likewise considering moves.

• The Malaysian government intends to ban social media for those under sixteen beginning next year.
• The Brazilian authorities has increased the access age for Instagram to 16.

Yet, global organizations take a more nuanced tone. A major UN agency has advised that blanket prohibitions pose dangers and "might backfire". The body points out that social networks can be a "lifeline" for marginalized children and that bans should not be a "replacement" for social media firms to improve safety.

Even as this international conversation unfolds, the steps of this nation and others demonstrate that governments around the world are increasingly willing to stand by for the industry to make changes on their own.