🔗 Share this article Will Other States Pursue Australia's Lead in Prohibiting Social Platforms for Teenagers Under 16? The nation's decisive move to ban social networking access for young people below 16 is creating waves around the globe. Politicians, campaigners, and parents are watching intently to see if this approach will become a template for other nations. European Momentum In Europe, a growing chorus of countries are exploring comparable measures. Denmark has stated a restriction on social media for under-15s, with the leader arguing that smartphones and apps are "stealing our children's youth". A law is expected to be formalized next year. The Norwegian government is set to implement a age restriction of 15, pointing to the need to safeguard the young from the "manipulative force of the AI". The Irish government is developing a online verification tool to authenticate the identity and age of social media users. Authorities have stated that an Australia-style ban could be "an tools on the table". In Spain, the president has urged parliament to approve a law increasing the legal age for using social media to 16. In France, the head of state has threatened a ban for children below 15, and a parliamentary commission has endorsed a similar step, alongside an overnight "screen time restriction" for 15- to 18-year-olds. The government in The Netherlands has urged parents to restrict their children from social media up to the age of 15. At the EU level, the European parliament has adopted a non-binding statement supporting a ban for minors without parental consent is granted. While it warns of the "habit-forming" quality of these services, the step does not establish mandatory rules. "An effective age restriction is a solid foundation," commented the MEP supporting the resolution. The UK: A Cautious Eye For the United Kingdom, the leadership has not ruled out a possible ban, stating that "nothing is discarded" but maintaining any policy must be "supported by strong evidence". Earlier, momentum grew behind a bill to enact controls on social media use by under-16s, but it was ultimately weakened. Nonetheless, the government committed to investigate the topic. Advocacy groups have expressed concerns. One foundation set up by the loved ones of a girl who died after being exposed to dangerous social media material argues that a strict age ban might not protect children and could lead to a "dangerous transition" of exposure when young people reach the legal age. "This ban is a reaction to the refusal of the tech sector to design tools that are appropriate and suitable for children," stated a influential child protection advocate. The US: A State-by-State Approach Stateside, legislation is primarily occurring at the regional level amid federal inaction. The state of Utah requires parental consent for minors to use social media and limits nighttime use. The state of Florida has passed a bill banning those below 14 from creating accounts on social media, though it is entangled in legal challenges. Virginia has approved a law capping under-16s to one hour of social media time per day, with any further use needing a guardian's okay. Georgia, Tennessee, and The state of Louisiana have similarly enacted laws demanding guardian approval for minors to set up social media profiles. Despite widespread concern and suggestions from various individuals to mimic Australia's example, a US-wide ban is presently seen as unlikely. International Outlook Beyond Europe and the US, further states are likewise exploring options. Malaysia intends to prohibit social media for under-16s starting from next year. Brazil has increased the access age for one major platform to 16. But, global organizations take a more measured stance. A major UN agency has advised that social media bans pose dangers and "may even backfire". The organization points out that the internet can be a "critical link" for marginalized young people and that regulation should not be a "replacement" for tech companies to improve safety. As this worldwide debate continues, the actions of this nation and several other countries show that policymakers internationally are no longer content to wait for tech companies to make changes on their own.