🔗 Share this article Could Other Nations Emulate Australia's in Prohibiting Social Media for Youth Under Sixteen? The nation's controversial move to restrict social platforms access for young people below 16 is sending ripples around the globe. Politicians, campaigners, and families are monitoring intently to see if this strategy will set a precedent for countries abroad. Across Europe Movement In Europe, a rising chorus of states are considering parallel measures. The Danish government has stated a restriction on social media for children under fifteen, with the prime minister stating that phones and platforms are "stealing our kids' innocence". A law is expected to be passed next year. Norway is planning to introduce a access barrier of 15, highlighting the need to protect the young from the "power of the recommendation systems". The Irish government is introducing a digital wallet to confirm the age and identity of social media account holders. Authorities have stated that an Australian-model ban remains "a potential measures under consideration". In Spain, the leader has called on parliament to enact a law lifting the access age for using social media to 16. In France, the president has proposed a ban for those under fifteen, and a government panel has suggested a similar action, alongside an overnight "screen time restriction" for 15- to 18-year-olds. The government in the Netherlands has urged families to block their kids from social media until 15. Across the European Union, the EU parliament has approved a advisory statement demanding a ban for minors without parental consent is granted. Even though it warns of the "compulsive" quality of these apps, the step does not establish binding law. "An effective age barrier is a good first step," commented a leading parliamentarian driving the resolution. The United Kingdom: A Watchful Stance In the UK, the leadership has kept open a potential ban, emphasizing that "no measure is off the table" but stressing any policy must be "supported by conclusive research". Earlier, support built behind a legislative effort to introduce restrictions on social media use by minors, but it was ultimately watered down. However, the government pledged to conduct more studies the topic. Advocacy groups have voiced apprehensions. One foundation established by the loved ones of a young person who died after being exposed to harmful online content suggests that a simple age ban may not protect children and could create a "dangerous transition" of risk when young people become eligible. "The Australian ban is a response to the inability of the social media companies to design products and services that are safe and age appropriate for children," stated a influential child protection advocate. The United States: A Fragmented Picture Stateside, legislation is primarily unfolding at the state level due to federal stalemate. Utah requires parental consent for those under 18 to use social media and limits late-night use. Florida has passed a bill banning under-14s from joining social media, though it faces constitutional disputes. Virginia has passed a law restricting under-16s to one hour of social media access per day, with extra access requiring adult consent. The state of Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and The state of Louisiana have also introduced laws requiring adult authorization for minors to create social media profiles. Even with bipartisan support and proposals from certain figures to mimic this lead, a nationwide ban is presently seen as improbable. International Views Beyond the West, further countries are also considering moves. Malaysia plans to restrict social media for those under sixteen starting from next year. Brazil has increased the access age for Instagram to 16. Yet, global agencies adopt a more nuanced tone. A major UN agency has advised that social media bans pose dangers and "might backfire". The body points out that social networks can be a "vital connection" for marginalized youth and that government action should not be a "substitute" for social media firms to invest in user protection. As this international discussion continues, the steps of the Australian government and its followers show that governments around the world are increasingly prepared to stand by for the industry to self-regulate.