🔗 Share this article Might Different Nations Emulate Australia's Lead in Banning Social Media for Under-16s? The Australian decisive action to ban social networking access for those under 16 is sending ripples internationally. Lawmakers, child protection groups, and guardians are watching closely to see if this approach will set a precedent for countries abroad. Across Europe Momentum Throughout Europe, a increasing chorus of nations are moving toward parallel restrictions. The Danish government has stated a ban on social media for children under fifteen, with the PM arguing that phones and platforms are "taking away our children's childhood". A law may be passed soon. Norway is preparing to introduce a age restriction of 15, pointing to the need to shield the young from the "manipulative force of the algorithms". The Irish government is working on a online verification tool to confirm the age and identity of social media account holders. Authorities have indicated that an similar ban is "one of the measures under consideration". In Spain, the leader has urged lawmakers to enact a proposal increasing the access age for joining social media to 16. In The French government, the head of state has floated the idea of a ban for children below 15, and a legislative committee has endorsed a similar move, potentially involving an overnight "digital curfew" for older teenagers. The government in The Netherlands has recommended parents to block their youngsters from social media up to the age of 15. Across the European Union, the bloc's legislature has approved a non-binding resolution calling for a ban for minors without guardian approval is provided. While it highlights of the "addictive" nature of these apps, the move does not create enforceable legislation. "An effective age restriction is a solid foundation," said a leading MEP behind the resolution. The United Kingdom: An Evidence-Based Eye Across Britain, the government has kept open a possible ban, emphasizing that "no option is discarded" but maintaining any decision must be "supported by strong research". Last year, interest gathered behind a bill to impose limits on social media use by minors, but it was eventually modified. Instead, the government vowed to further research the matter. Charities have voiced concerns. An organization established by the loved ones of a girl who died after viewing harmful online content contends that a strict age ban might not protect children and could lead to a "cliff edge" of harm when teens become eligible. "The Australian ban is a reaction to the inability of the tech sector to build products and services that are safe and age appropriate for children," said a influential child protection advocate. The US: A Decentralized Approach Across America, action is largely occurring at the local level amid federal inaction. Utah mandates adult approval for minors to use social media and controls late-night use. The state of Florida has enacted a measure barring those below 14 from joining social media, though it is entangled in constitutional disputes. Virginia has approved a rule restricting teenagers to one hour of social media access per day, with any further access requiring parental permission. Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and The state of Louisiana have likewise passed measures mandating guardian approval for minors to create social media profiles. Despite bipartisan support and suggestions from certain figures to mimic the Australian lead, a US-wide ban is presently seen as improbable. Worldwide Perspectives Beyond Europe and the US, additional states are similarly exploring options. The Malaysian government plans to restrict social media for teenagers beginning next year. Brazil has raised the minimum age for the platform Instagram to 16. But, international agencies take a more measured stance. Unicef has cautioned that blanket prohibitions carry risks and "could have unintended consequences". The agency notes that online platforms can be a "critical link" for vulnerable youth and that government action should not be a "excuse" for tech companies to improve user protection. As this worldwide debate evolves, the actions of Australia and others demonstrate that governments globally are no longer prepared to delay for tech companies to self-regulate.