🔗 Share this article Might Different Nations Emulate Australia's Example in Prohibiting Social Platforms for Youth Under Sixteen? The Australian controversial policy to restrict social media access for young people below 16 is sparking debate worldwide. Officials, safety advocates, and families are watching with great interest to see if this tactic will inspire imitation for the rest of the world. European Trend Across Europe, a rising chorus of nations are considering parallel bans. Denmark has stated a prohibition on social media for children under fifteen, with the prime minister declaring that phones and platforms are "taking away our children's innocence". Legislation may be enacted next year. Norway is planning to introduce a minimum age limit of 15, citing the need to shield children from the "power of the recommendation systems". Ireland is working on a digital ID system to authenticate the identity and age of social media users. The media minister have stated that an similar ban could be "a potential measures in reserve". In Spain, the president has called on lawmakers to pass a law increasing the legal age for joining social media to 16. In The French government, the president has proposed a ban for under-15s, and a government panel has endorsed a similar move, potentially involving an overnight "internet blackout" for older teenagers. The government in the Netherlands has urged guardians to restrict their children from social media up to the age of 15. Across the European Union, the EU parliament has adopted a advisory motion demanding a ban for under-16s without a parent decides otherwise is given. While it warns of the "compulsive" design of these apps, the resolution does not enact binding law. "A strong age limit is a good starting point," said the MEP driving the initiative. Britain: A Cautious Approach Across Britain, the administration has not ruled out a potential ban, arguing that "nothing is being dismissed" but stressing any decision must be "based on conclusive data". Previously, support gathered behind a bill to enact limits on social media use by under-16s, but it was eventually modified. Instead, the government committed to conduct more studies the issue. Campaign organizations have expressed concerns. One foundation established by the relatives of a teenager who died after being exposed to disturbing social media material argues that a blanket age ban might not make platforms safer and could result in a "sudden drop-off" of exposure when teens turn 16. "This ban is a reaction to the failure of the social media companies to design products and services that are secure and age appropriate for children," said a prominent online safety campaigner. The US: A State-by-State Picture In the United States, action is mostly occurring at the local government level against a backdrop of country-wide gridlock. Utah mandates guardian permission for under-18s to use social media and limits overnight use. The state of Florida has passed a measure prohibiting under-14s from accessing social media, though it faces constitutional disputes. Virginia has passed a rule capping under-16s to a single hour of social media time per day, with any further time needing parental permission. The state of Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have likewise enacted measures mandating parental consent for minors to open social media presences. Even with bipartisan support and suggestions from certain individuals to copy Australia's example, a nationwide ban is right now seen as a distant prospect. Global Perspectives Beyond the West, other countries are likewise taking action. The Malaysian government intends to prohibit social media for those under sixteen beginning next year. The Brazilian authorities has lifted the minimum age for Instagram to 16. But, world agencies take a more measured position. The UN children's agency has advised that age-based restrictions have downsides and "might backfire". The agency points out that online platforms can be a "vital connection" for vulnerable youth and that regulation should not be a "replacement" for platform operators to prioritize child safeguards. As this international conversation continues, the policies of Australia and others show that states around the world are less and less prepared to delay for tech companies to self-regulate.