🔗 Share this article Might Additional Countries Pursue Australia's Lead in Banning Social Platforms for Under-16s? Australia's decisive policy to ban social platforms access for young people below 16 is creating waves internationally. Lawmakers, child protection groups, and parents are watching intently to see if this approach will inspire imitation for countries abroad. The European Trend Throughout Europe, a increasing group of states are exploring similar bans. Denmark has stated a restriction on social media for youth below 15, with the PM stating that mobile devices and networks are "stealing our kids' childhood". Legislation may be passed next year. Norway is set to implement a minimum age limit of 15, highlighting the need to safeguard children from the "influence of the recommendation systems". Ireland is developing a digital wallet to authenticate the age and identity of social media account holders. The media minister have stated that an similar ban could be "an options under consideration". In Spain, the leader has urged lawmakers to pass a proposal raising the access age for joining social media to 16. In France, the head of state has threatened a ban for those under fifteen, and a legislative committee has suggested a similar action, alongside an overnight "digital curfew" for adolescents. The government in The Netherlands has advised parents to prevent their kids from social media until 15. Across the European Union, the EU parliament has adopted a symbolic motion demanding a ban for under-16s except if a parent decides otherwise is granted. Although it warns of the "addictive" design of these platforms, the move does not establish enforceable legislation. "A strong age restriction is a useful starting point," commented a leading European lawmaker behind the resolution. Britain: A Watchful Stance Across Britain, the government has kept open a future ban, arguing that "no option is being dismissed" but insisting any decision must be "supported by conclusive data". Previously, interest gathered behind a proposal to introduce limits on social media use by teenagers, but it was eventually modified. Instead, the government pledged to investigate the matter. Charities have voiced concerns. One foundation founded by the loved ones of a teenager who was lost after being exposed to disturbing online content suggests that a blanket age ban might not improve online safety and could create a "dangerous transition" of harm when teens become eligible. "Australia's ban is a answer to the inability of the social media companies to design platforms and apps that are secure and fit for young users," stated a leading online safety campaigner. The United States: A State-by-State Approach In the United States, regulation is largely occurring at the state level due to country-wide stalemate. The state of Utah demands adult approval for under-18s to use social media and restricts nighttime use. Florida has enacted a law barring children under fourteen from joining social media, though it faces court battles. Virginia has enacted a rule restricting under-16s to one hour of social media access per day, with additional time requiring parental permission. The state of Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have also passed measures demanding adult authorization for teenagers to create social media presences. Despite cross-party agreement and suggestions from certain figures to follow this lead, a nationwide ban is presently seen as a distant prospect. Global Outlook Beyond Europe and the US, additional states are similarly exploring options. The Malaysian government intends to restrict social media for those under sixteen effective next year. Brazil has raised the minimum age for the platform Instagram to 16. However, international organizations strike a more nuanced position. The UN children's agency has warned that age-based restrictions have downsides and "could backfire". The organization notes that social networks can be a "critical link" for vulnerable young people and that government action should not be a "excuse" for tech companies to invest in child safeguards. While this global debate unfolds, the steps of the Australian government and several other countries demonstrate that governments globally are increasingly willing to stand by for platforms to act voluntarily.