🔗 Share this article Might Additional Countries Emulate Australia's Example in Prohibiting Social Media for Under-16s? The Australian controversial policy to ban social networking access for individuals under sixteen is sending ripples internationally. Politicians, child protection groups, and parents are watching intently to see if this approach will set a precedent for the rest of the world. European Movement In Europe, a rising number of countries are considering comparable bans. Denmark has stated a restriction on social media for youth below 15, with the leader declaring that mobile devices and apps are "robbing our youngsters' childhood". Legislation may be enacted next year. The Norwegian government is set to implement a age restriction of 15, citing the need to shield the young from the "influence of the algorithms". The Irish government is developing a digital ID system to authenticate the identity and age of social media account holders. Authorities have stated that an similar ban is "one of the options under consideration". In Spain, the president has asked lawmakers to approve a law lifting the access age for using social media to 16. In France, the head of state has floated the idea of a ban for under-15s, and a parliamentary commission has endorsed a related action, including an overnight "screen time restriction" for adolescents. The government in The Dutch government has advised guardians to restrict their kids from social media before 15. At the EU level, the EU parliament has passed a symbolic resolution supporting a ban for under-16s except if a parent decides otherwise is provided. While it cautions of the "addictive" design of these platforms, the step does not create enforceable legislation. "An effective age barrier is a good first step," commented the parliamentarian behind the initiative. Britain: A Cautious Stance For the United Kingdom, the administration has not ruled out a potential ban, stating that "nothing is off the table" but maintaining any decision must be "supported by conclusive data". Earlier, support grew behind a proposal to introduce restrictions on social media use by under-16s, but it was eventually modified. However, the administration pledged to investigate the matter. Advocacy groups have raised apprehensions. One foundation founded by the relatives of a teenager who was lost after viewing disturbing social media material suggests that a blanket age ban could fail to protect children and could result in a "sudden drop-off" of risk when users become eligible. "The Australian ban is a reaction to the refusal of the social media companies to design platforms and apps that are safe and age appropriate for young users," stated a prominent child protection advocate. The United States: A State-by-State Approach Stateside, regulation is primarily happening at the regional level due to national stalemate. Utah mandates guardian permission for those under 18 to use social media and controls overnight use. The state of Florida has enacted a law banning under-14s from accessing social media, though it is subject to court battles. The state of Virginia has enacted a rule restricting teenagers to one hour of social media time per day, with any further time needing a guardian's okay. Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and The state of Louisiana have likewise introduced measures requiring guardian approval for minors to create social media presences. Even with bipartisan support and calls from various figures to follow the Australian lead, a nationwide ban is currently seen as unlikely. Global Outlook Outside of Europe and the US, other nations are also exploring options. Malaysia aims to restrict social media for under-16s beginning next year. Brazil has lifted the minimum age for one major platform to 16. But, global agencies strike a more measured tone. A major UN agency has advised that blanket prohibitions pose dangers and "could backfire". The body points out that the internet can be a "lifeline" for vulnerable youth and that government action should not be a "replacement" for tech companies to invest in user protection. Even as this worldwide discussion unfolds, the actions of this nation and several other countries demonstrate that states around the world are increasingly willing to delay for tech companies to self-regulate.