🔗 Share this article Might Different States Emulate Australia's Example in Restricting Social Platforms for Under-16s? The nation's bold action to prohibit social platforms access for those under 16 is sparking debate worldwide. Officials, campaigners, and guardians are watching with great interest to see if this tactic will become a template for countries abroad. Across Europe Trend Throughout Europe, a growing number of countries are considering parallel measures. The Danish government has announced a ban on social media for youth below 15, with the prime minister arguing that smartphones and platforms are "taking away our kids' innocence". The policy is expected to be enacted soon. The Norwegian government is preparing to enforce a minimum age limit of 15, pointing to the need to safeguard children from the "influence of the AI". Ireland is introducing a digital ID system to authenticate the user details of social media account holders. The media minister have stated that an Australian-model ban could be "an options under consideration". In The Spanish government, the prime minister has urged parliament to enact a proposal increasing the minimum age for accessing social media to 16. In The French government, the president has threatened a ban for those under fifteen, and a parliamentary commission has recommended a similar move, potentially involving an overnight "internet blackout" for older teenagers. The administration in The Netherlands has urged parents to restrict their kids from social media up to the age of 15. For the broader EU, the European parliament has adopted a advisory statement supporting a ban for teenagers under 16 except if parental consent is provided. Even though it cautions of the "habit-forming" quality of these services, the move does not create binding law. "A clear age barrier is a solid first step," said one parliamentarian behind the resolution. Britain: An Evidence-Based Approach Across Britain, the administration has not ruled out a possible ban, arguing that "no option is being dismissed" but insisting any decision must be "supported by strong data". Last year, momentum built behind a proposal to introduce restrictions on social media use by minors, but it was eventually modified. Instead, the administration vowed to further research the topic. Charities have raised apprehensions. A prominent charity founded by the loved ones of a teenager who was lost after encountering dangerous online content argues that a strict age ban may not protect children and could result in a "cliff edge" of exposure when users become eligible. "Australia's ban is a response to the refusal of the Silicon Valley to design platforms and apps that are secure and age appropriate for young users," stated a prominent child protection advocate. The US: A State-by-State Landscape In the United States, regulation is largely happening at the local level amid country-wide gridlock. Utah requires adult approval for minors to use social media and restricts late-night use. Florida has passed a measure prohibiting those below 14 from joining social media, though it is subject to legal challenges. The state of Virginia has enacted a rule restricting minors to a single hour of social media access per day, with extra use dependent on parental permission. Georgia, Tennessee, and The state of Louisiana have also enacted bills requiring guardian approval for teenagers to set up social media accounts. Despite widespread concern and calls from various individuals to copy this lead, a federal ban is right now seen as unlikely. International Outlook Apart from Europe and the US, further nations are similarly taking action. Malaysia aims to restrict social media for those under sixteen starting from next year. The Brazilian authorities has lifted the required age for one major platform to 16. But, global organizations adopt a more cautious stance. A major UN agency has cautioned that social media bans pose dangers and "might backfire". The organization highlights that social networks can be a "vital connection" for vulnerable young people and that government action should not be a "excuse" for platform operators to invest in child safeguards. As this global conversation unfolds, the steps of Australia and its followers indicate that states internationally are no longer content to delay for the industry to make changes on their own.