🔗 Share this article Might Additional States Emulate Australia's Example in Prohibiting Social Media for Under-16s? The Australian controversial policy to ban social networking access for those under 16 is sparking debate worldwide. Politicians, safety advocates, and guardians are watching closely to see if this strategy will set a precedent for countries abroad. Across Europe Movement Across Europe, a rising chorus of states are considering parallel bans. Denmark plans a ban on social media for under-15s, with the PM arguing that phones and platforms are "taking away our kids' innocence". The policy could be formalized next year. The Norwegian government is preparing to implement a minimum age limit of 15, pointing to the need to shield the young from the "manipulative force of the AI". Ireland is working on a digital wallet to verify the age and identity of social media users. The media minister have suggested that an Australian-model ban remains "a potential options in reserve". In Spain, the prime minister has asked lawmakers to pass a law lifting the legal age for joining social media to 16. In The French government, the president has proposed a ban for those under fifteen, and a government panel has recommended a similar move, potentially involving an overnight "internet blackout" for adolescents. The authorities in The Netherlands has recommended guardians to prevent their kids from social media before 15. At the EU level, the European parliament has approved a symbolic motion calling for a ban for minors except if a parent decides otherwise is given. While it highlights of the "habit-forming" design of these platforms, the move does not create mandatory rules. "A clear age restriction is a solid foundation," commented the MEP supporting the initiative. The United Kingdom: A Watchful Approach For the United Kingdom, the leadership has not ruled out a potential ban, stating that "no measure is being dismissed" but insisting any policy must be "supported by strong evidence". Previously, interest gathered behind a legislative effort to impose restrictions on social media use by under-16s, but it was in the end weakened. Nonetheless, the government committed to conduct more studies the matter. Advocacy groups have raised warnings. A prominent charity founded by the family of a girl who took her own life after being exposed to dangerous platform posts suggests that a blanket age ban might not make platforms safer and could result in a "sudden drop-off" of harm when young people become eligible. "This ban is a response to the inability of the social media companies to design tools that are appropriate and age appropriate for minors," commented a prominent child protection advocate. The United States: A Decentralized Picture In the United States, action is largely unfolding at the local level amid country-wide gridlock. Utah mandates guardian permission for those under 18 to use social media and controls overnight use. The state of Florida has signed a measure barring those below 14 from creating accounts on social media, though it is subject to legal challenges. Virginia has enacted a law limiting minors to 60 minutes of social media time per day, with additional time dependent on adult consent. Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and Louisiana have also passed bills requiring guardian approval for teenagers to set up social media accounts. Even with widespread concern and suggestions from some politicians to mimic the Australian path, a US-wide ban is currently seen as unlikely. Worldwide Perspectives Outside of Europe and the US, further nations are also taking action. Malaysia plans to prohibit social media for under-16s beginning next year. Brazil has increased the minimum age for Instagram to 16. However, world bodies strike a more nuanced position. A major UN agency has warned that blanket prohibitions pose dangers and "might backfire". The organization highlights that social networks can be a "vital connection" for marginalized children and that regulation should not be a "replacement" for tech companies to improve user protection. As this global debate continues, the steps of Australia and others demonstrate that governments around the world are less and less prepared to wait for platforms to act voluntarily.