🔗 Share this article Could Other Countries Follow Australia's in Banning Social Platforms for Teenagers Under 16? The nation's controversial policy to restrict social networking access for those under 16 is creating waves internationally. Officials, campaigners, and parents are watching closely to see if this strategy will inspire imitation for other nations. Across Europe Momentum In Europe, a rising group of nations are moving toward similar restrictions. The Danish government has stated a ban on social media for under-15s, with the prime minister declaring that mobile devices and apps are "stealing our youngsters' childhood". The policy could be enacted next year. The Norwegian government is planning to introduce a access barrier of 15, citing the need to safeguard the young from the "influence of the recommendation systems". Ireland is working on a digital ID system to verify the identity and age of social media account holders. Officials have indicated that an Australian-model ban is "an options under consideration". In Spain, the president has asked lawmakers to enact a bill raising the legal age for joining social media to 16. In France, the head of state has proposed a ban for under-15s, and a government panel has recommended a comparable action, alongside an overnight "screen time restriction" for 15- to 18-year-olds. The administration in The Dutch government has recommended families to prevent their youngsters from social media before 15. At the EU level, the European parliament has passed a symbolic resolution supporting a ban for minors unless guardian approval is granted. Even though it highlights of the "addictive" quality of these platforms, the move does not enact mandatory rules. "A strong age barrier is a good starting point," said a leading European lawmaker behind the measure. The UK: A Watchful Eye Across Britain, the government has not ruled out a possible ban, arguing that "no measure is off the table" but maintaining any decision must be "based on strong research". Last year, momentum gathered behind a bill to enact limits on social media use by under-16s, but it was ultimately weakened. However, the government pledged to conduct more studies the matter. Campaign organizations have voiced warnings. An organization set up by the relatives of a young person who was lost after encountering disturbing online content contends that a blanket age ban may not improve online safety and could create a "dangerous transition" of risk when teens reach the legal age. "Australia's ban is a answer to the failure of the tech sector to design tools that are secure and suitable for children," said a influential peer. The US: A Fragmented Landscape Across America, legislation is mostly happening at the regional level against a backdrop of federal gridlock. Utah mandates parental consent for under-18s to use social media and limits overnight use. The state of Florida has passed a law banning under-14s from joining social media, though it is entangled in constitutional disputes. Virginia has passed a law limiting under-16s to one hour of social media access per day, with any further use requiring adult consent. Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have also enacted bills demanding adult authorization for minors to create social media profiles. Despite bipartisan support and proposals from certain politicians to copy the Australian path, a US-wide ban is presently seen as a distant prospect. Worldwide Perspectives Beyond the West, additional nations are similarly exploring options. Malaysia plans to prohibit social media for those under sixteen beginning next year. Brazil has lifted the access age for the platform Instagram to 16. However, international organizations take a more cautious tone. The UN children's agency has advised that blanket prohibitions have downsides and "might backfire". The body highlights that social networks can be a "lifeline" for marginalized youth and that bans should not be a "substitute" for tech companies to improve child safeguards. As this worldwide conversation unfolds, the actions of Australia and its followers indicate that governments internationally are increasingly prepared to stand by for the industry to self-regulate.