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The nation's controversial action to ban social platforms access for individuals under sixteen is sparking debate around the globe. Politicians, campaigners, and parents are watching closely to see if this tactic will become a template for the rest of the world.

European Trend

In Europe, a increasing chorus of states are moving toward similar measures.

• Denmark plans a restriction on social media for youth below 15, with the PM arguing that phones and networks are "taking away our kids' youth". A law may be enacted soon.
• Norway is planning to introduce a access barrier of 15, citing the need to shield the young from the "power of the algorithms".
• The Irish government is introducing a online verification tool to confirm the age and identity of social media account holders. Officials have suggested that an Australia-style ban could be "a potential measures under consideration".
• In Spain, the prime minister has called on lawmakers to pass a proposal lifting the legal age for joining social media to 16.
• In France, the leader has floated the idea of a ban for children below 15, and a government panel has suggested a similar action, potentially involving an overnight "screen time restriction" for older teenagers.
• The government in the Netherlands has advised guardians to block their children from social media up to the age of 15.

For the broader EU, the European parliament has passed a advisory resolution demanding a ban for minors except if a parent decides otherwise is given. Even though it warns of the "addictive" quality of these platforms, the move does not establish binding law.

"An effective age barrier is a solid first step," said the European lawmaker behind the measure.

The United Kingdom: An Evidence-Based Eye

In the UK, the leadership has not ruled out a potential ban, stating that "no measure is being dismissed" but insisting any action must be "based on strong evidence".

Earlier, support gathered behind a proposal to impose restrictions on social media use by teenagers, but it was eventually watered down. Nonetheless, the administration pledged to further research the topic.

Advocacy groups have expressed concerns. An organization set up by the loved ones of a young person who took her own life after viewing dangerous online content argues that a simple age ban might not improve online safety and could result in a "cliff edge" of exposure when young people reach the legal age.

"This ban is a answer to the inability of the Silicon Valley to build platforms and apps that are appropriate and fit for young users," commented a influential peer.

The US: A Fragmented Approach

In the United States, regulation is mostly unfolding at the state level amid country-wide stalemate.

• Utah mandates parental consent for those under 18 to use social media and limits nighttime use.
• Florida has passed a bill prohibiting those below 14 from joining social media, though it is entangled in constitutional disputes.
• Virginia has enacted a rule restricting teenagers to a single hour of social media time per day, with extra time dependent on parental permission.
• The state of Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and The state of Louisiana have likewise introduced measures demanding adult authorization for minors to set up social media profiles.

Even with cross-party agreement and suggestions from certain figures to follow this example, a federal ban is currently seen as a distant prospect.

International Views

Apart from Europe and the US, additional states are also considering moves.

• The Malaysian government intends to ban social media for under-16s beginning next year.
• Brazil has lifted the minimum age for the platform Instagram to 16.

But, global bodies take a more measured stance. Unicef has cautioned that social media bans pose dangers and "may even prove counterproductive". The body points out that online platforms can be a "vital connection" for vulnerable youth and that bans should not be a "replacement" for tech companies to invest in user protection.

As this global conversation evolves, the actions of this nation and others show that governments globally are no longer content to delay for platforms to act voluntarily.