🔗 Share this article Will Other States Pursue Australia's Lead in Banning Social Media for Under-16s? Australia's controversial policy to prohibit social media access for young people below 16 is sending ripples worldwide. Politicians, child protection groups, and parents are observing closely to see if this tactic will become a template for the rest of the world. European Trend Throughout Europe, a rising group of states are moving toward parallel measures. Denmark has stated a restriction on social media for youth below 15, with the PM declaring that mobile devices and apps are "robbing our youngsters' innocence". Legislation is expected to be formalized soon. The Norwegian government is set to introduce a age restriction of 15, pointing to the need to safeguard the young from the "power of the AI". Ireland is working on a digital ID system to confirm the age and identity of social media participants. Authorities have suggested that an Australia-style ban is "an measures in reserve". In Spain, the prime minister has urged lawmakers to pass a bill raising the access age for joining social media to 16. In France, the head of state has threatened a ban for under-15s, and a legislative committee has endorsed a related step, including an overnight "internet blackout" for 15- to 18-year-olds. The government in The Dutch government has urged families to prevent their kids from social media before 15. For the broader EU, the EU parliament has passed a advisory statement supporting a ban for teenagers under 16 except if parental consent is given. Although it highlights of the "addictive" quality of these services, the step does not establish binding law. "A strong age barrier is a good foundation," said one parliamentarian driving the measure. The UK: A Watchful Approach In the UK, the leadership has not ruled out a possible ban, stating that "nothing is off the table" but insisting any action must be "supported by robust research". Earlier, interest built behind a proposal to impose controls on social media use by under-16s, but it was eventually modified. Instead, the government pledged to investigate the issue. Campaign organizations have voiced warnings. A prominent charity founded by the relatives of a teenager who took her own life after encountering disturbing online content suggests that a simple age ban could fail to improve online safety and could result in a "cliff edge" of risk when teens become eligible. "The Australian ban is a answer to the inability of the Silicon Valley to create products and services that are safe and suitable for children," stated a prominent child protection advocate. America: A Decentralized Picture In the United States, action is primarily unfolding at the local government level due to national stalemate. Utah requires parental consent for those under 18 to use social media and controls overnight use. The state of Florida has passed a law banning those below 14 from joining social media, though it is subject to legal challenges. Virginia has approved a rule capping under-16s to one hour of social media time per day, with any further use requiring adult consent. The state of Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and Louisiana have also enacted bills demanding parental consent for teenagers to open social media accounts. Even with bipartisan support and calls from various figures to mimic Australia's path, a federal ban is presently seen as improbable. Global Views Outside of Europe and the US, additional countries are also considering moves. Malaysia plans to restrict social media for those under sixteen beginning next year. The Brazilian authorities has lifted the required age for the platform Instagram to 16. However, international bodies adopt a more cautious stance. The UN children's agency has cautioned that blanket prohibitions pose dangers and "might backfire". The agency highlights that social networks can be a "critical link" for isolated young people and that government action should not be a "excuse" for tech companies to improve safety. Even as this global debate unfolds, the steps of the Australian government and several other countries indicate that policymakers internationally are less and less willing to wait for tech companies to make changes on their own.