🔗 Share this article Could Additional Countries Pursue Australia's Example in Restricting Social Media for Under-16s? The nation's bold action to ban social media access for individuals under sixteen is sending ripples worldwide. Officials, child protection groups, and parents are monitoring with great interest to see if this strategy will inspire imitation for other nations. The European Trend Throughout Europe, a rising number of states are moving toward similar restrictions. Denmark plans a prohibition on social media for youth below 15, with the prime minister arguing that phones and apps are "taking away our children's childhood". The policy could be passed soon. The Norwegian government is preparing to enforce a minimum age limit of 15, citing the need to shield the young from the "influence of the AI". Ireland is developing a online verification tool to authenticate the identity and age of social media users. Officials have suggested that an similar ban could be "an measures on the table". In Spain, the president has urged the legislature to enact a proposal increasing the minimum 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, potentially involving an overnight "internet blackout" for adolescents. The government in the Netherlands has urged guardians to restrict their children from social media before 15. At the EU level, the bloc's legislature has adopted a symbolic motion calling for a ban for minors without parental consent is given. While it cautions of the "habit-forming" nature of these platforms, the step does not enact enforceable legislation. "An effective age restriction is a good starting point," said one MEP supporting the measure. The United Kingdom: A Cautious Stance For the United Kingdom, the administration has kept open a future ban, stating that "nothing is discarded" but maintaining any action must be "based on robust research". Earlier, support grew behind a bill to enact restrictions on social media use by teenagers, but it was in the end watered down. Instead, the administration committed to further research the topic. Advocacy groups have expressed apprehensions. One foundation set up by the family of a teenager who was lost after encountering harmful platform posts contends that a strict age ban could fail to improve online safety and could create a "sudden drop-off" of exposure when users become eligible. "Australia's ban is a reaction to the failure of the Silicon Valley to create platforms and apps that are safe and fit for young users," stated a influential child protection advocate. The US: A Fragmented Picture Stateside, regulation is largely unfolding at the local government level amid federal stalemate. The state of Utah requires parental consent for under-18s to use social media and limits late-night use. Florida has signed a law banning children under fourteen from joining social media, though it is entangled in court battles. Virginia has enacted a rule limiting under-16s to a single hour of social media time per day, with extra use needing adult consent. The state of Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and Louisiana have likewise introduced bills mandating parental consent for minors to set up social media profiles. Even with widespread concern and calls from some individuals to follow this example, a nationwide ban is presently seen as a distant prospect. Global Views Beyond the West, additional countries are similarly exploring options. The Malaysian government aims to restrict social media for under-16s starting from next year. Brazil has raised the required age for Instagram to 16. But, world agencies adopt a more cautious position. The UN children's agency has cautioned that blanket prohibitions pose dangers and "could prove counterproductive". The agency highlights that online platforms can be a "vital connection" for marginalized youth and that government action should not be a "substitute" for tech companies to invest in user protection. Even as this global conversation unfolds, the policies of Australia and its followers show that states internationally are no longer willing to stand by for the industry to act voluntarily.