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The nation's controversial move to prohibit social media access for young people below 16 is sparking debate around the globe. Officials, safety advocates, and parents are watching closely to see if this strategy will set a precedent for the rest of the world.

European Trend

Across Europe, a rising group of nations are exploring parallel measures.

• Denmark has stated a prohibition on social media for children under fifteen, with the prime minister declaring that smartphones and networks are "stealing our children's youth". Legislation is expected to be enacted next year.
• The Norwegian government is preparing to enforce a access barrier of 15, citing the need to protect the young from the "power of the recommendation systems".
• Ireland is introducing a online verification tool to verify the user details of social media account holders. Officials have indicated that an similar ban could be "a potential tools under consideration".
• In Spain, the president has urged lawmakers to approve a bill raising the minimum age for joining social media to 16.
• In The French government, the head of state has proposed a ban for under-15s, and a parliamentary commission has recommended a similar step, alongside an overnight "internet blackout" for adolescents.
• The government in The Dutch government has advised parents to block their youngsters from social media before 15.

At the EU level, the European parliament has approved a symbolic statement supporting a ban for teenagers under 16 unless parental consent is provided. Even though it cautions of the "compulsive" design of these apps, the resolution does not establish binding law.

"An effective age barrier is a good foundation," said a leading European lawmaker behind the measure.

The UK: A Watchful Eye

For the United Kingdom, the government has remained open to a possible ban, stating that "no measure is being dismissed" but stressing any policy must be "supported by robust research".

Previously, support gathered behind a proposal to enact restrictions on social media use by minors, but it was ultimately modified. Instead, the government vowed to conduct more studies the topic.

Charities have voiced concerns. An organization established by the loved ones of a girl who was lost after being exposed to disturbing social media material contends that a strict age ban may not make platforms safer and could create a "sudden drop-off" of risk when young people reach the legal age.

"This ban is a reaction to the refusal of the tech sector to design platforms and apps that are secure and suitable for children," stated a influential online safety campaigner.

The US: A Decentralized Picture

Across America, legislation is largely occurring at the regional level against a backdrop of country-wide gridlock.

• The state of Utah demands guardian permission for those under 18 to use social media and limits late-night use.
• Florida has passed a measure banning those below 14 from creating accounts on social media, though it is subject to legal challenges.
• Virginia has passed a law capping minors to a single hour of social media use per day, with any further access needing adult consent.
• Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have also passed bills requiring adult authorization for under-16s to open social media accounts.

Despite bipartisan support and suggestions from some individuals to copy this example, a nationwide ban is right now seen as improbable.

Worldwide Views

Outside of Europe and the US, further nations are similarly considering moves.

• Malaysia aims to prohibit social media for teenagers beginning next year.
• The Brazilian authorities has lifted the required age for the platform Instagram to 16.

However, world organizations take a more cautious tone. A major UN agency has advised that age-based restrictions carry risks and "may even have unintended consequences". The body points out that the internet can be a "vital connection" for isolated youth and that regulation should not be a "excuse" for platform operators to improve user protection.

While this worldwide discussion unfolds, the actions of this nation and its followers show that states globally are increasingly content to stand by for platforms to make changes on their own.