🔗 Share this article Will Different Nations Emulate Australia's in Restricting Social Platforms for Under-16s? Australia's controversial action to prohibit social platforms access for young people below 16 is creating waves around the globe. Lawmakers, campaigners, and parents are monitoring intently to see if this strategy will become a template for countries abroad. Across Europe Momentum Across Europe, a rising chorus of states are moving toward similar measures. Denmark plans a prohibition on social media for youth below 15, with the leader declaring that phones and apps are "taking away our youngsters' innocence". The policy may be formalized in the coming year. Norway is set to implement a age restriction of 15, pointing to the need to protect young people from the "manipulative force of the recommendation systems". The Irish government is developing a online verification tool to confirm the age and identity of social media account holders. The media minister have indicated that an Australian-model ban is "an options under consideration". In The Spanish government, the leader has urged lawmakers to approve a law increasing the minimum age for accessing social media to 16. In The French government, the president has threatened a ban for children below 15, and a parliamentary commission has suggested a similar move, potentially involving an overnight "screen time restriction" for older teenagers. The authorities in the Netherlands has urged guardians to prevent their youngsters from social media up to the age of 15. Across the European Union, the bloc's legislature has approved a non-binding statement demanding a ban for teenagers under 16 without a parent decides otherwise is given. Although it cautions of the "compulsive" nature of these platforms, the step does not create enforceable legislation. "An effective age limit is a useful foundation," commented the MEP behind the measure. The United Kingdom: A Cautious Eye Across Britain, the administration has not ruled out a possible ban, stating that "no option is being dismissed" but insisting any decision must be "supported by conclusive data". Last year, support grew behind a proposal to enact limits on social media use by minors, but it was eventually watered down. Nonetheless, the government pledged to conduct more studies the topic. Charities have voiced apprehensions. One foundation founded by the relatives of a teenager who took her own life after being exposed to harmful online content contends that a simple age ban could fail to improve online safety and could create a "cliff edge" of risk when teens become eligible. "This ban is a reaction to the inability of the social media companies to create platforms and apps that are safe and suitable for young users," commented a leading child protection advocate. The US: A State-by-State Approach In the United States, regulation is mostly occurring at the state government level due to federal gridlock. Utah demands adult approval for those under 18 to use social media and limits overnight use. Florida has signed a law banning children under fourteen from creating accounts on social media, though it is entangled in constitutional disputes. Virginia has passed a regulation restricting under-16s to one hour of social media use per day, with extra time needing adult consent. The state of Georgia, Tennessee, and The state of Louisiana have similarly enacted laws demanding adult authorization for minors to open social media presences. Despite bipartisan support and calls from various figures to mimic the Australian example, a US-wide ban is currently seen as improbable. Worldwide Views Beyond Europe and the US, additional nations are also taking action. Malaysia intends to ban social media for teenagers starting from next year. Brazil has increased the required age for the platform Instagram to 16. But, global organizations adopt a more nuanced tone. The UN children's agency has warned that age-based restrictions carry risks and "could backfire". The organization highlights that social networks can be a "lifeline" for isolated youth and that government action should not be a "replacement" for social media firms to prioritize safety. Even as this worldwide debate continues, the policies of the Australian government and several other countries indicate that governments globally are increasingly prepared to delay for tech companies to make changes on their own.