🔗 Share this article Will Additional Nations Pursue Australia's in Prohibiting Online Networks for Youth Under Sixteen? The nation's controversial policy to ban social platforms access for young people below 16 is sending ripples worldwide. Politicians, safety advocates, and families are watching intently to see if this tactic will set a precedent for other nations. The European Momentum Throughout Europe, a growing number of countries are exploring comparable restrictions. The Danish government plans a restriction on social media for under-15s, with the PM arguing that mobile devices and apps are "taking away our youngsters' youth". A law may be enacted in the coming year. The Norwegian government is planning to introduce a age restriction of 15, citing the need to protect the young from the "power of the recommendation systems". Ireland is working on a digital ID system to confirm the user details of social media participants. The media minister have suggested that an Australia-style ban is "a potential tools under consideration". In The Spanish government, the president has urged parliament to enact a law lifting the minimum age for accessing social media to 16. In France, the head of state has floated the idea of a ban for under-15s, and a legislative committee has endorsed a related move, alongside an overnight "digital curfew" for older teenagers. The administration in the Netherlands has recommended families to block their children from social media up to the age of 15. Across the European Union, the European parliament has adopted a symbolic motion supporting a ban for minors unless parental consent is granted. While it highlights of the "habit-forming" nature of these platforms, the move does not establish enforceable legislation. "A strong age barrier is a useful first step," said a leading European lawmaker driving the measure. The United Kingdom: A Cautious Eye Across Britain, the government has kept open a potential ban, emphasizing that "no measure is off the table" but maintaining any decision must be "supported by strong data". Last year, support gathered behind a legislative effort to impose limits on social media use by under-16s, but it was eventually weakened. However, the government vowed to further research the topic. Advocacy groups have raised concerns. A prominent charity set up by the relatives of a teenager who was lost after encountering harmful social media material suggests that a blanket age ban could fail to protect children and could create a "sudden drop-off" of exposure when young people turn 16. "This ban is a response to the failure of the social media companies to design platforms and apps that are appropriate and fit for young users," said a prominent peer. The US: A State-by-State Approach Stateside, legislation is mostly happening at the state government level against a backdrop of national stalemate. The state of Utah requires parental consent for under-18s to use social media and controls late-night use. The state of Florida has passed a law banning those below 14 from creating accounts on social media, though it is entangled in constitutional disputes. The state of Virginia has approved a rule restricting teenagers to 60 minutes of social media time per day, with any further use needing a guardian's okay. Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have also enacted bills demanding adult authorization for minors to create social media accounts. Even with bipartisan support and proposals from some figures to copy Australia's path, a US-wide ban is currently seen as a distant prospect. International Perspectives Apart from the West, further nations are also taking action. The Malaysian government plans to ban social media for those under sixteen beginning next year. The Brazilian authorities has increased the required age for the platform Instagram to 16. Yet, international bodies take a more cautious tone. A major UN agency has warned that social media bans carry risks and "could backfire". The body notes that the internet can be a "vital connection" for marginalized children and that regulation should not be a "replacement" for tech companies to invest in user protection. Even as this global discussion unfolds, the actions of this nation and others demonstrate that policymakers internationally are less and less willing to delay for platforms to act voluntarily.