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The nation's controversial policy to prohibit social networking access for those under 16 is creating waves around the globe. Lawmakers, campaigners, and families are observing with great interest to see if this approach will set a precedent for countries abroad.

Across Europe Movement

Throughout Europe, a increasing chorus of states are exploring parallel bans.

• Denmark has stated a restriction on social media for youth below 15, with the leader stating that smartphones and apps are "stealing our children's innocence". The policy may be formalized in the coming year.
• Norway is preparing to implement a access barrier of 15, highlighting the need to shield young people from the "power of the algorithms".
• Ireland is developing a online verification tool to verify the identity and age of social media account holders. Officials have indicated that an Australia-style ban could be "an measures in reserve".
• In Spain, the prime minister has asked lawmakers to pass a bill increasing the legal age for accessing social media to 16.
• In France, the head of state has proposed a ban for under-15s, and a government panel has recommended a comparable action, alongside an overnight "screen time restriction" for 15- to 18-year-olds.
• The authorities in The Dutch government has recommended parents to restrict their kids from social media until 15.

At the EU level, the bloc's legislature has adopted a symbolic statement supporting a ban for minors without parental consent is given. While it warns of the "compulsive" quality of these apps, the step does not enact mandatory rules.

"A strong age barrier is a useful foundation," stated a leading MEP driving the initiative.

The UK: A Cautious Stance

For the United Kingdom, the leadership has remained open to a future ban, stating that "no option is off the table" but insisting any policy must be "supported by conclusive research".

Previously, support gathered behind a bill to introduce controls on social media use by minors, but it was in the end modified. However, the administration pledged to investigate the topic.

Campaign organizations have expressed concerns. One foundation set up by the relatives of a girl who was lost after viewing harmful platform posts suggests that a simple age ban may not improve online safety and could lead to a "cliff edge" of exposure when teens turn 16.

"Australia's ban is a response to the refusal of the social media companies to build platforms and apps that are safe and fit for minors," said a influential online safety campaigner.

The US: A Fragmented Picture

Stateside, regulation is largely occurring at the state level amid national inaction.

• Utah demands parental consent for minors to use social media and restricts overnight use.
• The state of Florida has signed a measure banning those below 14 from joining social media, though it is entangled in court battles.
• Virginia has enacted a rule limiting minors to a single hour of social media use per day, with extra access dependent on adult consent.
• The state of Georgia, Tennessee, and The state of Louisiana have also passed measures demanding parental consent for teenagers to set up social media profiles.

Despite bipartisan support and suggestions from various figures to mimic this example, a US-wide ban is right now seen as unlikely.

Worldwide Views

Beyond these regions, further countries are also taking action.

• Malaysia plans to prohibit social media for those under sixteen beginning next year.
• Brazil has increased the access age for one major platform to 16.

But, world agencies strike a more measured tone. A major UN agency has warned that blanket prohibitions carry risks and "might prove counterproductive". The body highlights that social networks can be a "vital connection" for marginalized youth and that regulation should not be a "excuse" for tech companies to improve safety.

As this global discussion continues, the policies of this nation and its followers demonstrate that states globally are increasingly content to wait for the industry to act voluntarily.