🔗 Share this article Will Additional Countries Follow Australia's in Banning Social Media for Teenagers Under 16? The Australian decisive policy to restrict social networking access for individuals under sixteen is creating waves around the globe. Lawmakers, safety advocates, and parents are observing with great interest to see if this strategy will set a precedent for countries abroad. European Trend Throughout Europe, a growing number of nations are considering parallel bans. Denmark has stated a prohibition on social media for under-15s, with the prime minister arguing that smartphones and networks are "taking away our youngsters' childhood". A law could be enacted soon. Norway is planning to introduce a access barrier of 15, highlighting the need to safeguard children from the "influence of the recommendation systems". The Irish government is developing a digital wallet to confirm the age and identity of social media participants. Authorities have stated that an Australian-model ban is "an options in reserve". In Spain, the president has called on lawmakers to enact a proposal increasing the access age for joining social media to 16. In France, the president has proposed a ban for those under fifteen, and a government panel has recommended a similar move, including an overnight "digital curfew" for 15- to 18-year-olds. The administration in the Netherlands has advised guardians to prevent their children from social media until 15. At the EU level, the EU parliament has adopted a advisory resolution calling for a ban for teenagers under 16 except if parental consent is provided. Even though it cautions of the "habit-forming" nature of these services, the resolution does not create binding law. "A strong age restriction is a useful starting point," said one European lawmaker driving the resolution. The United Kingdom: A Cautious Stance In the UK, the leadership has not ruled out a possible ban, arguing that "no option is off the table" but stressing any decision must be "supported by conclusive evidence". Previously, momentum built behind a bill to impose limits on social media use by minors, but it was eventually weakened. Nonetheless, the administration vowed to conduct more studies the topic. Advocacy groups have voiced concerns. An organization established by the relatives of a girl who died after encountering dangerous online content contends that a strict age ban may not make platforms safer and could result in a "cliff edge" of exposure when young people reach the legal age. "This ban is a answer to the inability of the Silicon Valley to design platforms and apps that are safe and fit for young users," said a leading peer. America: A Fragmented Landscape Across America, action is mostly happening at the regional government level against a backdrop of national gridlock. Utah demands guardian permission for under-18s to use social media and limits late-night use. Florida has enacted a measure barring those below 14 from creating accounts on social media, though it is subject to legal challenges. Virginia has enacted a regulation capping minors to one hour of social media time per day, with additional access needing a guardian's okay. Georgia, Tennessee, and The state of Louisiana have likewise passed laws demanding adult authorization for minors to open social media accounts. Even with widespread concern and suggestions from various figures to mimic Australia's path, a US-wide ban is right now seen as unlikely. International Outlook Beyond the West, further states are similarly taking action. Malaysia plans to prohibit social media for those under sixteen starting from next year. The Brazilian authorities has lifted the access age for the platform Instagram to 16. Yet, global organizations take a more cautious stance. A major UN agency has cautioned that social media bans have downsides and "may even backfire". The body highlights that the internet can be a "vital connection" for marginalized young people and that government action should not be a "replacement" for social media firms to invest in child safeguards. While this global conversation unfolds, the policies of Australia and its followers indicate that states internationally are less and less willing to wait for platforms to act voluntarily.