🔗 Share this article Could Different States Pursue Australia's Example in Banning Online Networks for Under-16s? Australia's bold move to restrict social platforms access for those under 16 is creating waves around the globe. Politicians, safety advocates, and parents are watching with great interest to see if this tactic will inspire imitation for other nations. The European Trend Across Europe, a increasing number of countries are considering parallel restrictions. Denmark has announced a prohibition on social media for children under fifteen, with the prime minister stating that mobile devices and networks are "stealing our youngsters' innocence". A law may be passed in the coming year. Norway is preparing to introduce a access barrier of 15, highlighting the need to shield children from the "influence of the recommendation systems". The Irish government is developing a digital wallet to verify the identity and age of social media account holders. The media minister have suggested that an Australia-style ban could be "an tools on the table". In Spain, the prime minister has asked parliament to enact a bill increasing the access age for using social media to 16. In France, the leader has floated the idea of a ban for those under fifteen, and a government panel has endorsed a related move, alongside an overnight "internet blackout" for 15- to 18-year-olds. The administration in the Netherlands has urged parents to restrict their kids from social media before 15. At the EU level, the EU parliament has approved a advisory motion calling for a ban for minors except if parental consent is provided. While it warns of the "habit-forming" quality of these services, the resolution does not enact binding law. "A clear age limit is a good foundation," commented the MEP supporting the initiative. The United Kingdom: A Watchful Eye For the United Kingdom, the government has remained open to a potential ban, stating that "no measure is being dismissed" but maintaining any policy must be "supported by conclusive data". Previously, momentum built behind a legislative effort to enact controls on social media use by under-16s, but it was eventually modified. Instead, the government pledged to investigate the topic. Advocacy groups have raised apprehensions. One foundation established by the family of a girl who died after being exposed to disturbing platform posts contends that a simple age ban could fail to make platforms safer and could lead to a "cliff edge" of exposure when users turn 16. "The Australian ban is a reaction to the failure of the Silicon Valley to build platforms and apps that are appropriate and suitable for young users," commented a prominent peer. The United States: A Decentralized Approach Across America, legislation is largely happening at the local level due to national stalemate. Utah requires guardian permission for minors to use social media and restricts nighttime use. Florida has signed a law banning under-14s from joining social media, though it is entangled in constitutional disputes. Virginia has approved a regulation limiting teenagers to a single hour of social media time per day, with extra time needing adult consent. Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and Louisiana have also passed bills mandating guardian approval for under-16s to open social media accounts. Despite cross-party agreement and calls from certain figures to copy the Australian example, a federal ban is currently seen as unlikely. International Outlook Outside of the West, additional countries are also taking action. Malaysia aims to prohibit social media for those under sixteen effective next year. Brazil has lifted the access age for one major platform to 16. But, global bodies adopt a more nuanced stance. The UN children's agency has warned that social media bans pose dangers and "may even backfire". The organization points out that social networks can be a "critical link" for marginalized children and that regulation should not be a "excuse" for social media firms to improve safety. While this global conversation evolves, the steps of Australia and others show that governments internationally are increasingly content to stand by for tech companies to self-regulate.