🔗 Share this article Could Other Nations Follow Australia's in Restricting Social Platforms for Youth Under Sixteen? Australia's controversial move to restrict social media access for those under 16 is sparking debate worldwide. Officials, campaigners, and families are watching closely to see if this tactic will set a precedent for the rest of the world. Across Europe Trend Throughout Europe, a increasing number of states are moving toward parallel measures. Denmark has announced a ban on social media for children under fifteen, with the leader arguing that phones and apps are "robbing our children's innocence". A law could be formalized next year. Norway is preparing to implement a age restriction of 15, citing the need to safeguard the young from the "manipulative force of the algorithms". Ireland is developing a digital ID system to verify the age and identity of social media participants. The media minister have stated that an Australia-style ban is "an measures in reserve". In The Spanish government, the leader has called on lawmakers to approve a proposal raising the minimum age for joining social media to 16. In France, the president has floated the idea of a ban for those under fifteen, and a government panel has endorsed a related move, including an overnight "internet blackout" for older teenagers. The government in The Netherlands has recommended families to prevent their kids from social media until 15. At the EU level, the bloc's legislature has passed a non-binding statement calling for a ban for under-16s unless parental consent is granted. Even though it highlights of the "habit-forming" design of these services, the move does not create enforceable legislation. "A strong age restriction is a solid starting point," stated one European lawmaker supporting the measure. Britain: An Evidence-Based Approach Across Britain, the administration has not ruled out a possible ban, stating that "nothing is being dismissed" but maintaining any policy must be "supported by conclusive evidence". Earlier, momentum gathered behind a bill to enact controls on social media use by under-16s, but it was in the end watered down. However, the government committed to further research the topic. Campaign organizations have voiced concerns. An organization set up by the family of a girl who was lost after being exposed to harmful platform posts argues that a strict age ban may not improve online safety and could create a "dangerous transition" of harm when young people turn 16. "Australia's ban is a reaction to the failure of the social media companies to design products and services that are safe and fit for children," said a influential child protection advocate. The United States: A Fragmented Landscape Stateside, legislation is mostly unfolding at the state level against a backdrop of federal stalemate. The state of Utah requires parental consent for under-18s to use social media and limits nighttime use. Florida has passed a bill banning children under fourteen from joining social media, though it faces constitutional disputes. Virginia has enacted a regulation restricting teenagers to one hour of social media use per day, with any further use dependent on adult consent. Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have also enacted bills demanding parental consent for teenagers to open social media accounts. Despite bipartisan support and suggestions from various individuals to mimic Australia's path, a US-wide ban is right now seen as unlikely. International Outlook Apart from these regions, other nations are also considering moves. Malaysia intends to restrict social media for teenagers beginning next year. Brazil has lifted the access age for the platform Instagram to 16. However, world agencies adopt a more cautious position. Unicef has warned that age-based restrictions carry risks and "could backfire". The organization points out that social networks can be a "critical link" for marginalized youth and that regulation should not be a "replacement" for tech companies to improve user protection. Even as this international discussion unfolds, the policies of Australia and its followers indicate that states around the world are no longer content to wait for tech companies to act voluntarily.