🔗 Share this article Will Different Countries Pursue Australia's Lead in Banning Social Platforms for Teenagers Under 16? Australia's controversial action to prohibit social networking access for young people below 16 is sparking debate around the globe. Lawmakers, child protection groups, and families are monitoring closely to see if this strategy will inspire imitation for the rest of the world. The European Movement Across Europe, a increasing number of countries are moving toward parallel measures. Denmark plans a ban on social media for youth below 15, with the PM arguing that mobile devices and networks are "taking away our children's innocence". The policy is expected to be enacted next year. Norway is set to implement a age restriction of 15, highlighting the need to protect the young from the "influence of the recommendation systems". Ireland is developing a online verification tool to confirm the age and identity of social media participants. Authorities have indicated that an Australian-model ban remains "one of the options under consideration". In Spain, the prime minister has urged the legislature to enact a bill increasing the minimum age for using social media to 16. In The French government, the president has threatened a ban for under-15s, and a legislative committee has suggested a similar move, potentially involving an overnight "screen time restriction" for 15- to 18-year-olds. The government in the Netherlands has urged families to block their youngsters from social media until 15. For the broader EU, the European parliament has approved a symbolic statement supporting a ban for minors except if guardian approval is given. Although it highlights of the "addictive" nature of these apps, the move does not enact mandatory rules. "A clear age limit is a solid starting point," stated a leading parliamentarian driving the resolution. Britain: A Watchful Approach In the UK, the administration has not ruled out a possible ban, stating that "no measure is discarded" but stressing any policy must be "based on conclusive evidence". Previously, interest built behind a legislative effort to introduce controls on social media use by minors, but it was eventually watered down. However, the administration committed to further research the matter. Charities have voiced warnings. A prominent charity established by the family of a teenager who was lost after viewing disturbing online content contends that a blanket age ban might not protect children and could lead to a "sudden drop-off" of risk when users reach the legal age. "Australia's ban is a response to the failure of the Silicon Valley to create platforms and apps that are appropriate and suitable for young users," commented a influential peer. The US: A State-by-State Approach Stateside, action is primarily happening at the local level amid federal stalemate. Utah demands guardian permission for minors to use social media and restricts late-night use. The state of Florida has enacted a bill barring under-14s from creating accounts on social media, though it is subject to legal challenges. The state of Virginia has approved a regulation capping under-16s to one hour of social media use per day, with extra time needing adult consent. Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have also passed measures mandating adult authorization for teenagers to create social media profiles. Despite cross-party agreement and calls from various figures to copy this path, a federal ban is presently seen as improbable. International Views Apart from the West, other countries are also taking action. Malaysia intends to prohibit social media for under-16s starting from next year. The Brazilian authorities has increased the minimum age for the platform Instagram to 16. Yet, global agencies take a more nuanced tone. Unicef has advised that social media bans have downsides and "might prove counterproductive". The body points out that social networks can be a "critical link" for marginalized children and that government action should not be a "excuse" for tech companies to prioritize child safeguards. As this global debate unfolds, the actions of Australia and several other countries demonstrate that policymakers globally are increasingly prepared to wait for tech companies to act voluntarily.