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The nation's bold policy to prohibit social networking access for individuals under sixteen is sending ripples internationally. Lawmakers, child protection groups, and parents are observing intently to see if this strategy will inspire imitation for countries abroad.

European Trend

Throughout Europe, a rising chorus of countries are considering similar restrictions.

• Denmark has announced a ban on social media for children under fifteen, with the PM declaring that phones and platforms are "stealing our children's innocence". Legislation is expected to be enacted soon.
• Norway is preparing to enforce a age restriction of 15, pointing to the need to shield children from the "manipulative force of the recommendation systems".
• Ireland is working on a digital ID system to verify the user details of social media users. Authorities have suggested that an Australia-style ban remains "an measures on the table".
• In Spain, the president has urged the legislature to pass a bill raising the access age for accessing social media to 16.
• In France, the head of state has threatened a ban for under-15s, and a parliamentary commission has recommended a similar action, alongside an overnight "digital curfew" for adolescents.
• The government in The Netherlands has urged families to block their children from social media until 15.

For the broader EU, the EU parliament has adopted a non-binding resolution supporting a ban for minors except if guardian approval is provided. Although it cautions of the "addictive" quality of these apps, the move does not enact binding law.

"A clear age limit is a solid starting point," commented a leading parliamentarian supporting the measure.

Britain: A Watchful Stance

In the UK, the leadership has remained open to a potential ban, arguing that "nothing is discarded" but stressing any policy must be "grounded in strong research".

Last year, interest built behind a bill to impose controls on social media use by minors, but it was in the end weakened. However, the government committed to conduct more studies the topic.

Campaign organizations have raised warnings. An organization established by the relatives of a teenager who took her own life after encountering disturbing social media material suggests that a blanket age ban may not improve online safety and could lead to a "sudden drop-off" of risk when users reach the legal age.

"The Australian ban is a answer to the refusal of the Silicon Valley to design platforms and apps that are secure and suitable for young users," stated a influential peer.

America: A Decentralized Landscape

Stateside, regulation is mostly happening at the regional government level amid country-wide stalemate.

• Utah requires parental consent for under-18s to use social media and limits overnight use.
• Florida has passed a law prohibiting under-14s from joining social media, though it is subject to legal challenges.
• Virginia has approved a rule limiting minors to 60 minutes of social media access per day, with any further use needing a guardian's okay.
• Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and Louisiana have also introduced bills mandating adult authorization for minors to set up social media profiles.

Despite bipartisan support and suggestions from certain figures to follow this lead, a nationwide ban is presently seen as a distant prospect.

International Views

Beyond the West, further countries are also taking action.

• Malaysia intends to ban social media for those under sixteen effective next year.
• The Brazilian authorities has raised the access age for Instagram to 16.

However, world organizations adopt a more measured position. A major UN agency has advised that social media bans carry risks and "may even backfire". The body highlights that the internet can be a "lifeline" for isolated children and that bans should not be a "replacement" for social media firms to invest in safety.

Even as this global conversation continues, the policies of this nation and others indicate that states around the world are less and less prepared to delay for tech companies to act voluntarily.