🔗 Share this article Might Other Countries Emulate Australia's Example in Prohibiting Social Media for Under-16s? The Australian controversial move to prohibit social media access for those under 16 is sparking debate internationally. Lawmakers, child protection groups, and parents are observing with great interest to see if this tactic will become a template for countries abroad. The European Movement Across Europe, a growing chorus of nations are considering comparable measures. Denmark has announced a ban on social media for children under fifteen, with the PM arguing that mobile devices and platforms are "taking away our children's childhood". A law could be passed in the coming year. Norway is set to enforce a minimum age limit of 15, pointing to the need to shield the young from the "influence of the algorithms". The Irish government is developing a digital ID system to confirm the identity and age of social media users. The media minister have suggested that an Australian-model ban is "a potential measures under consideration". In Spain, the prime minister has asked parliament to pass a proposal raising the minimum age for using social media to 16. In France, the president has floated the idea of a ban for those under fifteen, and a parliamentary commission has suggested a comparable step, potentially involving an overnight "digital curfew" for older teenagers. The authorities in The Dutch government has urged guardians to block their kids from social media before 15. Across the European Union, the bloc's legislature has passed a non-binding statement demanding a ban for teenagers under 16 unless a parent decides otherwise is provided. Although it highlights of the "addictive" design of these platforms, the step does not establish mandatory rules. "A clear age barrier is a useful first step," commented the parliamentarian behind the initiative. Britain: An Evidence-Based Eye In the UK, the leadership has remained open to a potential ban, emphasizing that "no measure is off the table" but insisting any policy must be "grounded in strong research". Earlier, interest built behind a bill to impose limits on social media use by minors, but it was eventually modified. Nonetheless, the administration vowed to investigate the matter. Charities have raised concerns. One foundation set up by the loved ones of a girl who was lost after being exposed to dangerous online content argues that a simple age ban might not make platforms safer and could result in a "sudden drop-off" of exposure when young people reach the legal age. "The Australian ban is a answer to the failure of the social media companies to build platforms and apps that are safe and fit for children," stated a leading child protection advocate. America: A Fragmented Picture Stateside, regulation is mostly occurring at the local level due to national gridlock. Utah requires guardian permission for under-18s to use social media and limits overnight use. Florida has enacted a law prohibiting those below 14 from creating accounts on social media, though it faces court battles. The state of Virginia has enacted a law restricting minors to 60 minutes of social media access per day, with any further access needing parental permission. The state of Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and The state of Louisiana have similarly enacted measures demanding guardian approval for minors to open social media accounts. Even with cross-party agreement and proposals from various figures to copy this example, a US-wide ban is presently seen as a distant prospect. Worldwide Views Apart from the West, other nations are likewise considering moves. Malaysia aims to ban social media for under-16s effective next year. Brazil has lifted the required age for the platform Instagram to 16. But, world agencies strike a more measured tone. Unicef has advised that age-based restrictions have downsides and "may even prove counterproductive". The agency points out that online platforms can be a "critical link" for marginalized children and that government action should not be a "replacement" for tech companies to invest in safety. Even as this worldwide debate evolves, the actions of the Australian government and several other countries show that states around the world are increasingly content to delay for the industry to self-regulate.