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The nation's bold move to restrict social media access for those under 16 is sending ripples around the globe. Officials, child protection groups, and families are watching intently to see if this tactic will become a template for the rest of the world.

Across Europe Trend

In Europe, a rising number of countries are exploring parallel measures.

• The Danish government has stated a prohibition on social media for children under fifteen, with the PM declaring that smartphones and apps are "stealing our youngsters' innocence". Legislation is expected to be formalized soon.
• Norway is preparing to introduce a age restriction of 15, citing the need to shield children from the "influence of the recommendation systems".
• Ireland is developing a digital ID system to verify the age and identity of social media account holders. Authorities have stated that an Australian-model ban is "an options under consideration".
• In Spain, the prime minister has asked the legislature to pass a proposal raising the legal age for using social media to 16.
• In France, the leader has floated the idea of a ban for children below 15, and a legislative committee has recommended a related step, including an overnight "screen time restriction" for older teenagers.
• The authorities in the Netherlands has urged parents to restrict their youngsters from social media before 15.

At the EU level, the bloc's legislature has passed a symbolic statement demanding a ban for minors except if guardian approval is granted. Even though it cautions of the "addictive" quality of these platforms, the move does not create enforceable legislation.

"A clear age barrier is a good starting point," said one MEP driving the initiative.

The UK: A Watchful Stance

In the UK, the leadership has not ruled out a future ban, arguing that "nothing is off the table" but maintaining any policy must be "based on conclusive evidence".

Previously, support grew behind a proposal to introduce restrictions on social media use by under-16s, but it was in the end watered down. However, the administration pledged to investigate the issue.

Charities have voiced warnings. A prominent charity established by the loved ones of a young person who took her own life after being exposed to dangerous social media material contends that a blanket age ban could fail to protect children and could create a "sudden drop-off" of harm when teens reach the legal age.

"This ban is a reaction to the refusal of the tech sector to create platforms and apps that are appropriate and fit for children," said a leading peer.

The United States: A Fragmented Approach

Across America, legislation is mostly happening at the state government level amid federal gridlock.

• Utah demands guardian permission for minors to use social media and controls overnight use.
• The state of Florida has passed a measure barring children under fourteen from creating accounts on social media, though it is subject to court battles.
• The state of Virginia has approved a law restricting minors to one hour of social media use per day, with extra time needing adult consent.
• The state of Georgia, Tennessee, and The state of Louisiana have likewise enacted laws requiring guardian approval for teenagers to open social media profiles.

Even with cross-party agreement and proposals from certain politicians to follow this example, a US-wide ban is presently seen as improbable.

Global Perspectives

Beyond these regions, further countries are also exploring options.

• Malaysia intends to ban social media for teenagers beginning next year.
• Brazil has increased the minimum age for the platform Instagram to 16.

Yet, global bodies strike a more cautious tone. The UN children's agency has warned that social media bans have downsides and "may even have unintended consequences". The body points out that social networks can be a "critical link" for vulnerable children and that government action should not be a "excuse" for tech companies to improve safety.

Even as this international debate evolves, the steps of this nation and several other countries demonstrate that policymakers around the world are less and less content to delay for the industry to self-regulate.