🔗 Share this article Might Other Countries Pursue Australia's Example in Restricting Online Networks for Under-16s? The Australian decisive policy to ban social media access for those under 16 is creating waves internationally. Politicians, campaigners, and parents are watching closely to see if this approach will become a template for other nations. The European Trend In Europe, a growing group of states are moving toward similar bans. The Danish government has stated a ban on social media for youth below 15, with the PM declaring that mobile devices and platforms are "robbing our kids' youth". A law could be formalized in the coming year. The Norwegian government is preparing to implement a access barrier of 15, citing the need to safeguard the young from the "power of the recommendation systems". Ireland is introducing a online verification tool to verify the age and identity of social media participants. The media minister have suggested that an similar ban could be "an tools under consideration". In Spain, the prime minister has asked parliament to enact a proposal lifting the minimum age for accessing social media to 16. In The French government, the head of state has threatened a ban for under-15s, and a parliamentary commission has suggested a comparable move, including an overnight "screen time restriction" for older teenagers. The administration in the Netherlands has advised guardians to restrict their children from social media up to the age of 15. Across the European Union, the European parliament has approved a non-binding resolution demanding a ban for under-16s except if parental consent is given. While it warns of the "compulsive" quality of these apps, the resolution does not enact binding law. "An effective age barrier is a good first step," stated one MEP behind the measure. The United Kingdom: A Cautious Stance For the United Kingdom, the administration has remained open to a possible ban, stating that "no measure is off the table" but insisting any decision must be "supported by robust data". Previously, support gathered behind a bill to impose restrictions on social media use by under-16s, but it was eventually watered down. However, the government committed to further research the topic. Campaign organizations have voiced concerns. A prominent charity founded by the loved ones of a teenager who took her own life after encountering disturbing online content suggests that a blanket age ban may not improve online safety and could lead to a "dangerous transition" of exposure when young people reach the legal age. "Australia's ban is a response to the inability of the tech sector to design products and services that are appropriate and age appropriate for minors," said a prominent peer. America: A Fragmented Landscape Stateside, legislation is largely unfolding at the state level amid country-wide inaction. Utah mandates adult approval for those under 18 to use social media and limits late-night use. Florida has signed a bill barring under-14s from creating accounts on social media, though it faces legal challenges. Virginia has enacted a regulation limiting teenagers to one hour of social media use per day, with any further use needing parental permission. Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have likewise introduced laws demanding adult authorization for teenagers to set up social media presences. Despite widespread concern and calls from various individuals to follow this example, a nationwide ban is currently seen as improbable. International Views Outside of Europe and the US, other states are likewise taking action. The Malaysian government plans to prohibit social media for under-16s beginning next year. Brazil has increased the minimum age for one major platform to 16. But, international bodies take a more nuanced stance. Unicef has warned that blanket prohibitions have downsides and "may even prove counterproductive". The body highlights that social networks can be a "vital connection" for vulnerable children and that regulation should not be a "substitute" for social media firms to prioritize child safeguards. As this worldwide discussion continues, the policies of this nation and several other countries show that policymakers internationally are no longer content to delay for the industry to act voluntarily.