🔗 Share this article Will Different Countries Pursue Australia's Lead in Prohibiting Social Platforms for Youth Under Sixteen? The nation's decisive move to prohibit social networking access for young people below 16 is sparking debate around the globe. Politicians, safety advocates, and families are observing intently to see if this tactic will inspire imitation for the rest of the world. Across Europe Movement Throughout Europe, a increasing number of nations are moving toward comparable bans. Denmark has announced a ban on social media for children under fifteen, with the leader stating that mobile devices and platforms are "robbing our kids' innocence". The policy is expected to be passed soon. The Norwegian government is set to introduce a age restriction of 15, pointing to the need to safeguard children from the "power of the AI". Ireland is working on a digital wallet to verify the age and identity of social media participants. Officials have indicated that an Australia-style ban could be "one of the measures on the table". In Spain, the prime minister has urged the legislature to pass a bill increasing the minimum age for using social media to 16. In The French government, the head of state has threatened a ban for children below 15, and a government panel has recommended a related move, including an overnight "screen time restriction" for 15- to 18-year-olds. The administration in The Dutch government has urged families to prevent their children from social media up to the age of 15. Across the European Union, the European parliament has approved a advisory motion demanding a ban for under-16s except if a parent decides otherwise is granted. Even though it highlights of the "compulsive" design of these apps, the resolution does not establish mandatory rules. "An effective age restriction is a solid starting point," commented the parliamentarian supporting the initiative. The United Kingdom: An Evidence-Based Eye Across Britain, the administration has kept open a possible ban, stating that "nothing is being dismissed" but insisting any action must be "grounded in robust data". Last year, interest gathered behind a proposal to enact limits on social media use by under-16s, but it was in the end weakened. Instead, the administration pledged to further research the matter. Advocacy groups have voiced concerns. An organization set up by the relatives of a young person who died after viewing disturbing platform posts argues that a strict age ban could fail to protect children and could result in a "dangerous transition" of harm when users turn 16. "The Australian ban is a response to the inability of the social media companies to build platforms and apps that are safe and age appropriate for children," said a leading peer. The United States: A State-by-State Landscape Across America, regulation is largely happening at the local level against a backdrop of national stalemate. Utah demands parental consent for those under 18 to use social media and limits late-night use. The state of Florida has enacted a law barring children under fourteen from creating accounts on social media, though it is subject to constitutional disputes. Virginia has approved a regulation restricting teenagers to a single hour of social media use per day, with additional use needing adult consent. The state of Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have similarly enacted bills demanding guardian approval for under-16s to open social media accounts. Even with cross-party agreement and proposals from certain individuals to copy the Australian example, a US-wide ban is right now seen as unlikely. Worldwide Perspectives Outside of these regions, additional countries are also considering moves. Malaysia intends to restrict social media for teenagers effective next year. Brazil has increased the minimum age for one major platform to 16. Yet, world organizations adopt a more measured stance. The UN children's agency has advised that social media bans carry risks and "may even prove counterproductive". The body highlights that online platforms can be a "lifeline" for marginalized children and that bans should not be a "substitute" for platform operators to improve user protection. As this international conversation evolves, the policies of Australia and several other countries indicate that policymakers internationally are increasingly content to delay for tech companies to act voluntarily.