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The nation's decisive policy to ban social networking access for those under 16 is sending ripples internationally. Lawmakers, campaigners, and parents are observing closely to see if this tactic will become a template for countries abroad.

The European Momentum

In Europe, a growing group of countries are considering parallel bans.

• The Danish government has announced a restriction on social media for youth below 15, with the prime minister declaring that phones and networks are "robbing our children's innocence". Legislation is expected to be passed soon.
• The Norwegian government is set to implement a age restriction of 15, pointing to the need to shield young people from the "influence of the recommendation systems".
• Ireland is working on a digital ID system to verify the identity and age of social media account holders. Officials have suggested that an Australian-model ban could be "an tools under consideration".
• In Spain, the prime minister has urged parliament to approve a bill lifting the access age for using social media to 16.
• In France, the president has floated the idea of a ban for children below 15, and a government panel has endorsed a related move, alongside an overnight "screen time restriction" for 15- to 18-year-olds.
• The authorities in The Netherlands has advised families to prevent their youngsters from social media up to the age of 15.

At the EU level, the European parliament has passed a advisory statement supporting a ban for under-16s except if parental consent is granted. Although it cautions of the "addictive" quality of these platforms, the move does not enact enforceable legislation.

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

The United Kingdom: An Evidence-Based Eye

Across Britain, the administration has remained open to a future ban, emphasizing that "nothing is discarded" but stressing any action must be "grounded in robust data".

Last year, support built behind a legislative effort to introduce controls on social media use by under-16s, but it was in the end modified. Instead, the government vowed to conduct more studies the matter.

Advocacy groups have voiced apprehensions. One foundation established by the relatives of a young person who died after encountering disturbing online content contends that a blanket age ban might not protect children and could result in a "cliff edge" of harm when young people become eligible.

"This ban is a response to the inability of the social media companies to build platforms and apps that are secure and suitable for minors," commented a leading online safety campaigner.

The United States: A Fragmented Picture

Across America, regulation is primarily happening at the local level amid federal gridlock.

• Utah mandates guardian permission for under-18s to use social media and restricts overnight use.
• Florida has enacted a measure prohibiting those below 14 from joining social media, though it is subject to constitutional disputes.
• The state of Virginia has enacted a law capping minors to one hour of social media time per day, with extra time needing a guardian's okay.
• The state of Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have similarly enacted bills requiring parental consent for teenagers to set up social media presences.

Despite widespread concern and proposals from some figures to copy Australia's path, a federal ban is presently seen as improbable.

Global Outlook

Outside of Europe and the US, other nations are also taking action.

• Malaysia plans to ban social media for under-16s effective next year.
• Brazil has raised the access age for the platform Instagram to 16.

But, global agencies take a more cautious position. A major UN agency has warned that age-based restrictions pose dangers and "could backfire". The agency highlights that online platforms can be a "critical link" for vulnerable youth and that government action should not be a "excuse" for tech companies to invest in user protection.

While this worldwide conversation continues, the steps of this nation and several other countries show that policymakers around the world are no longer willing to delay for platforms to make changes on their own.