🔗 Share this article Might Different Countries Pursue Australia's Lead in Restricting Social Platforms for Teenagers Under 16? The nation's controversial policy to ban social networking access for individuals under sixteen is sparking debate worldwide. Lawmakers, campaigners, and guardians are watching closely to see if this approach will set a precedent for countries abroad. European Trend Across Europe, a rising chorus of nations are exploring similar restrictions. Denmark has announced a prohibition on social media for under-15s, with the prime minister stating that mobile devices and apps are "taking away our children's childhood". A law could be formalized in the coming year. Norway is planning to enforce a age restriction of 15, highlighting the need to shield the young from the "power of the recommendation systems". The Irish government is introducing a digital ID system to verify the identity and age of social media participants. Officials have stated that an Australia-style ban is "an options on the table". In Spain, the prime minister has urged lawmakers to enact a law lifting the legal age for using social media to 16. In France, the leader has floated the idea of a ban for under-15s, and a legislative committee has recommended a related step, alongside an overnight "digital curfew" for 15- to 18-year-olds. The administration in The Dutch government has advised guardians to block their children from social media up to the age of 15. Across the European Union, the EU parliament has approved a non-binding statement demanding a ban for under-16s without guardian approval is granted. Even though it cautions of the "habit-forming" design of these services, the move does not establish enforceable legislation. "A clear age limit is a solid foundation," said the MEP behind the measure. The UK: A Watchful Eye Across Britain, the leadership has not ruled out a possible ban, stating that "nothing is being dismissed" but maintaining any policy must be "grounded in strong evidence". Earlier, momentum gathered behind a bill to impose limits on social media use by minors, but it was ultimately modified. However, the government committed to further research the issue. Advocacy groups have expressed apprehensions. A prominent charity established by the loved ones of a teenager who was lost after encountering harmful platform posts argues that a blanket age ban might not protect children and could result in a "sudden drop-off" of harm when young people become eligible. "The Australian ban is a answer to the refusal of the tech sector to design platforms and apps that are secure and age appropriate for young users," commented a influential child protection advocate. The United States: A Fragmented Approach Stateside, regulation is primarily occurring at the regional level amid federal stalemate. Utah requires parental consent for those under 18 to use social media and restricts late-night use. Florida has passed a measure banning under-14s from joining social media, though it is subject to legal challenges. Virginia has passed a regulation limiting teenagers to 60 minutes of social media time per day, with any further time needing adult consent. Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have similarly passed laws mandating guardian approval for teenagers to create social media profiles. Despite cross-party agreement and proposals from certain politicians to copy Australia's path, a US-wide ban is presently seen as unlikely. Global Perspectives Beyond Europe and the US, further nations are also taking action. The Malaysian government aims to restrict social media for those under sixteen starting from next year. The Brazilian authorities has raised the minimum age for Instagram to 16. Yet, global bodies adopt a more nuanced tone. A major UN agency has advised that social media bans have downsides and "may even have unintended consequences". The organization highlights that the internet can be a "critical link" for isolated young people and that regulation should not be a "excuse" for platform operators to invest in child safeguards. While this international debate evolves, the steps of Australia and several other countries show that states around the world are no longer willing to delay for tech companies to make changes on their own.