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The nation's bold move to prohibit social media access for those under 16 is sending ripples worldwide. Politicians, child protection groups, and parents are monitoring intently to see if this approach will become a template for the rest of the world.

Across Europe Momentum

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

• Denmark has stated a ban on social media for under-15s, with the leader declaring that mobile devices and platforms are "stealing our kids' youth". The policy could be formalized soon.
• Norway is set to introduce a access barrier of 15, citing the need to shield young people from the "influence of the recommendation systems".
• Ireland is introducing a digital wallet to confirm the user details of social media participants. Authorities have indicated that an Australia-style ban remains "a potential measures under consideration".
• In Spain, the prime minister has asked the legislature to approve a law lifting the legal age for using social media to 16.
• In The French government, the head of state has floated the idea of a ban for under-15s, and a government panel has endorsed a comparable step, including an overnight "digital curfew" for older teenagers.
• The authorities in The Netherlands has urged parents to block their kids from social media before 15.

For the broader EU, the bloc's legislature has approved a advisory statement demanding a ban for under-16s except if guardian approval is granted. While it highlights of the "habit-forming" design of these apps, the step does not enact binding law.

"A clear age barrier is a good first step," said the parliamentarian supporting the initiative.

Britain: A Watchful Eye

Across Britain, the administration has remained open to a potential ban, arguing that "no option is being dismissed" but insisting any action must be "based on strong evidence".

Earlier, support grew behind a legislative effort to enact controls on social media use by teenagers, but it was ultimately watered down. Instead, the government vowed to investigate the matter.

Charities have raised concerns. An organization established by the loved ones of a young person who was lost after being exposed to dangerous online content suggests that a strict age ban could fail to make platforms safer and could create a "dangerous transition" of harm when users reach the legal age.

"This ban is a answer to the inability of the social media companies to create platforms and apps that are appropriate and suitable for children," commented a prominent child protection advocate.

The US: A State-by-State Landscape

Stateside, legislation is mostly happening at the state government level against a backdrop of country-wide inaction.

• Utah demands adult approval for minors to use social media and limits late-night use.
• The state of Florida has signed a law barring under-14s from creating accounts on social media, though it is subject to court battles.
• The state of Virginia has passed a rule restricting under-16s to one hour of social media time per day, with extra time needing parental permission.
• Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have likewise passed laws mandating guardian approval for under-16s to open social media profiles.

Despite widespread concern and proposals from some individuals to copy Australia's path, a US-wide ban is right now seen as a distant prospect.

International Outlook

Beyond Europe and the US, other countries are similarly exploring options.

• The Malaysian government intends to restrict social media for under-16s beginning next year.
• Brazil has increased the access age for the platform Instagram to 16.

However, global agencies adopt a more cautious stance. The UN children's agency has advised that social media bans have downsides and "could backfire". The agency notes that social networks can be a "critical link" for marginalized children and that regulation should not be a "substitute" for social media firms to prioritize safety.

As this worldwide conversation evolves, the actions of this nation and its followers demonstrate that governments around the world are less and less willing to wait for platforms to act voluntarily.