🔗 Share this article Will Other Countries Pursue Australia's Example in Prohibiting Social Media for Under-16s? The Australian controversial action to restrict social platforms access for individuals under sixteen is creating waves worldwide. Officials, safety advocates, and parents are monitoring intently to see if this approach will set a precedent for other nations. Across Europe Trend In Europe, a rising group of states are moving toward parallel restrictions. Denmark plans a prohibition on social media for under-15s, with the prime minister arguing that smartphones and platforms are "stealing our kids' youth". Legislation is expected to be enacted soon. The Norwegian government is set to enforce a age restriction of 15, citing the need to protect children from the "influence of the recommendation systems". Ireland is working on a digital wallet to confirm the identity and age of social media account holders. Officials have indicated that an Australia-style ban is "one of the options on the table". In The Spanish government, the prime minister has urged parliament to pass a proposal raising the legal age for using social media to 16. In The French government, the head of state has threatened a ban for under-15s, and a legislative committee has recommended a related action, potentially involving an overnight "digital curfew" for 15- to 18-year-olds. The authorities in the Netherlands has recommended families to restrict their youngsters from social media until 15. At the EU level, the European parliament has adopted a advisory statement demanding a ban for teenagers under 16 without guardian approval is given. Although it cautions of the "addictive" nature of these apps, the resolution does not create binding law. "A clear age restriction is a solid starting point," said one parliamentarian behind the resolution. The UK: An Evidence-Based Approach For the United Kingdom, the leadership has kept open a possible ban, stating that "no measure is discarded" but maintaining any decision must be "grounded in strong research". Last year, interest grew behind a proposal to enact controls on social media use by minors, but it was eventually modified. Instead, the government vowed to conduct more studies the issue. Charities have raised warnings. A prominent charity established by the loved ones of a young person who was lost after viewing disturbing platform posts argues that a simple age ban may not make platforms safer and could result in a "dangerous transition" of harm when users reach the legal age. "Australia's ban is a response to the refusal of the tech sector to create platforms and apps that are secure and fit for children," stated a leading online safety campaigner. The United States: A Fragmented Landscape Stateside, action is largely occurring at the regional level amid national stalemate. The state of Utah requires adult approval for under-18s to use social media and controls nighttime use. Florida has passed a measure banning under-14s from creating accounts on social media, though it faces legal challenges. Virginia has passed a rule limiting minors to a single hour of social media time per day, with additional access needing a guardian's okay. The state of Georgia, Tennessee, and The state of Louisiana have likewise enacted measures mandating guardian approval for teenagers to set up social media presences. Despite widespread concern and calls from certain politicians to follow the Australian path, a nationwide ban is currently seen as improbable. Worldwide Outlook Outside of Europe and the US, additional nations are likewise exploring options. The Malaysian government plans to ban social media for those under sixteen beginning next year. Brazil has raised the minimum age for the platform Instagram to 16. Yet, world bodies adopt a more measured position. A major UN agency has advised that social media bans have downsides and "could backfire". The agency notes that social networks can be a "critical link" for vulnerable children and that government action should not be a "replacement" for social media firms to prioritize safety. While this international discussion continues, the policies of this nation and its followers show that policymakers around the world are no longer prepared to wait for the industry to make changes on their own.