🔗 Share this article Will Additional States Pursue Australia's Example in Restricting Social Platforms for Under-16s? Australia's decisive move to ban social platforms access for individuals under sixteen is creating waves around the globe. Politicians, child protection groups, and guardians are monitoring intently to see if this tactic will set a precedent for the rest of the world. European Momentum In Europe, a growing chorus of countries are exploring parallel bans. Denmark has announced a prohibition on social media for children under fifteen, with the PM arguing that smartphones and apps are "stealing our children's youth". The policy could be passed in the coming year. Norway is planning to introduce a minimum age limit of 15, citing the need to shield young people from the "power of the recommendation systems". Ireland is introducing a digital wallet to confirm the user details of social media users. The media minister have indicated that an Australia-style ban is "one of the measures under consideration". In The Spanish government, the prime minister has asked parliament to approve a proposal lifting the minimum age for using social media to 16. In The French government, the head of state has floated the idea of a ban for those under fifteen, and a parliamentary commission has suggested a related step, including an overnight "internet blackout" for older teenagers. The government in The Netherlands has urged parents to restrict their youngsters from social media until 15. For the broader EU, the bloc's legislature has adopted a advisory motion demanding a ban for under-16s without parental consent is provided. Even though it warns of the "compulsive" design of these services, the step does not establish binding law. "A clear age limit is a solid foundation," said the European lawmaker driving the initiative. Britain: A Watchful Eye In the UK, the leadership has remained open to a potential ban, arguing that "no measure is discarded" but stressing any policy must be "based on strong evidence". Previously, interest grew behind a legislative effort to impose controls on social media use by under-16s, but it was in the end weakened. Nonetheless, the government vowed to further research the issue. Charities have voiced apprehensions. One foundation established by the relatives of a girl who died after encountering dangerous platform posts contends that a blanket age ban may not improve online safety and could lead to a "cliff edge" of harm when young people become eligible. "This ban is a answer to the inability of the tech sector to build tools that are secure and fit for children," said a prominent online safety campaigner. The United States: A Fragmented Picture Stateside, regulation is largely unfolding at the regional government level amid country-wide stalemate. Utah requires guardian permission for under-18s to use social media and restricts nighttime use. The state of Florida has signed a measure barring children under fourteen from joining social media, though it is entangled in legal challenges. Virginia has passed a regulation limiting minors to one hour of social media access per day, with extra use dependent on parental permission. The state of Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have similarly enacted measures requiring guardian approval for teenagers to create social media accounts. Even with cross-party agreement and proposals from certain politicians to mimic Australia's example, a nationwide ban is presently seen as improbable. Global Outlook Beyond these regions, other states are similarly exploring options. The Malaysian government plans to restrict social media for under-16s beginning next year. The Brazilian authorities has lifted the minimum age for the platform Instagram to 16. But, international agencies adopt a more measured position. Unicef has warned that age-based restrictions pose dangers and "may even have unintended consequences". The body highlights that online platforms can be a "lifeline" for marginalized children and that regulation should not be a "substitute" for platform operators to improve safety. Even as this international discussion continues, the actions of this nation and several other countries demonstrate that policymakers internationally are no longer prepared to wait for platforms to act voluntarily.