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The nation's bold move to prohibit social platforms access for those under 16 is sparking debate internationally. Officials, campaigners, and parents are monitoring intently to see if this strategy will become a template for other nations.

European Trend

In Europe, a growing group of states are moving toward similar measures.

• Denmark plans a prohibition on social media for under-15s, with the prime minister stating that smartphones and platforms are "robbing our kids' childhood". A law is expected to be enacted in the coming year.
• Norway is planning to enforce a age restriction of 15, highlighting the need to safeguard the young from the "power of the AI".
• The Irish government is developing a digital wallet to confirm the identity and age of social media participants. Authorities have indicated that an Australia-style ban remains "an tools in reserve".
• In Spain, the prime minister has asked the legislature to pass a proposal raising the access age for accessing social media to 16.
• In France, the leader has proposed a ban for those under fifteen, and a government panel has recommended a related action, including an overnight "digital curfew" for adolescents.
• The authorities in the Netherlands has urged families to prevent their youngsters from social media before 15.

Across the European Union, the EU parliament has passed a non-binding resolution calling for a ban for minors unless a parent decides otherwise is provided. While it warns of the "habit-forming" design of these apps, the move does not create enforceable legislation.

"A strong age limit is a useful foundation," stated the parliamentarian behind the measure.

The UK: A Cautious Eye

Across Britain, the leadership has kept open a potential ban, stating that "nothing is discarded" but stressing any action must be "grounded in robust data".

Earlier, momentum grew behind a bill to impose restrictions on social media use by minors, but it was ultimately modified. Instead, the administration committed to further research the issue.

Campaign organizations have expressed concerns. A prominent charity set up by the relatives of a young person who took her own life after viewing harmful platform posts argues that a simple age ban might not protect children and could result in a "dangerous transition" of harm when teens become eligible.

"This ban is a reaction to the failure of the tech sector to create tools that are secure and age appropriate for minors," commented a prominent online safety campaigner.

The United States: A Decentralized Picture

Across America, action is mostly occurring at the local level due to country-wide inaction.

• The state of Utah demands parental consent for those under 18 to use social media and controls nighttime use.
• Florida has passed a law prohibiting under-14s from creating accounts on social media, though it is subject to court battles.
• Virginia has enacted a law limiting teenagers to a single hour of social media time per day, with additional time requiring a guardian's okay.
• The state of Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have likewise enacted laws mandating parental consent for teenagers to set up social media profiles.

Even with widespread concern and calls from some individuals to follow the Australian path, a nationwide ban is presently seen as improbable.

International Outlook

Apart from the West, further countries are also considering moves.

• Malaysia aims to restrict social media for under-16s beginning next year.
• The Brazilian authorities has increased the required age for one major platform to 16.

But, world bodies adopt a more measured position. Unicef has warned that age-based restrictions pose dangers and "could prove counterproductive". The agency notes that the internet can be a "vital connection" for vulnerable youth and that bans should not be a "excuse" for tech companies to improve user protection.

While this international conversation evolves, the actions of this nation and several other countries indicate that states around the world are no longer willing to stand by for platforms to act voluntarily.