🔗 Share this article Might Other Countries Pursue Australia's Example in Prohibiting Online Networks for Under-16s? Australia's decisive move to ban social media access for young people below 16 is sparking debate worldwide. Politicians, campaigners, and guardians are watching intently to see if this tactic will become a template for other nations. The European Trend In Europe, a rising group of countries are exploring parallel measures. Denmark has stated a ban on social media for youth below 15, with the leader arguing that phones and apps are "robbing our youngsters' innocence". Legislation could be formalized soon. The Norwegian government is planning to introduce a minimum age limit of 15, highlighting the need to shield children from the "power of the AI". Ireland is introducing a digital wallet to confirm the identity and age of social media account holders. Officials have indicated that an Australian-model ban is "an measures under consideration". In The Spanish government, the president has called on lawmakers to approve a proposal increasing the minimum age for accessing social media to 16. In France, the head of state has proposed a ban for children below 15, and a government panel has recommended a similar step, potentially involving an overnight "screen time restriction" for 15- to 18-year-olds. The authorities in The Netherlands has advised families to block their kids from social media before 15. Across the European Union, the EU parliament has approved a symbolic resolution calling for a ban for minors except if a parent decides otherwise is given. While it cautions of the "compulsive" nature of these apps, the move does not create mandatory rules. "A strong age barrier is a solid starting point," said one MEP driving the measure. The UK: A Watchful Stance Across Britain, the administration has kept open a possible ban, stating that "nothing is being dismissed" but stressing any policy must be "grounded in robust data". Previously, interest gathered behind a legislative effort to impose controls on social media use by minors, but it was in the end modified. However, the administration committed to conduct more studies the topic. Advocacy groups have voiced concerns. An organization set up by the loved ones of a young person who died after encountering harmful platform posts argues that a blanket age ban may not make platforms safer and could lead to a "sudden drop-off" of risk when users become eligible. "Australia's ban is a answer to the refusal of the Silicon Valley to create platforms and apps that are secure and suitable for minors," stated a prominent child protection advocate. The United States: A Decentralized Landscape Stateside, action is largely unfolding at the local level amid country-wide gridlock. Utah demands guardian permission for those under 18 to use social media and controls overnight use. Florida has enacted a measure barring those below 14 from accessing social media, though it is entangled in legal challenges. The state of Virginia has enacted a rule limiting minors to 60 minutes of social media access per day, with extra use needing a guardian's okay. The state of Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have also enacted bills demanding adult authorization for minors to set up social media profiles. Even with bipartisan support and suggestions from certain individuals to copy Australia's example, a federal ban is right now seen as a distant prospect. Worldwide Outlook Apart from Europe and the US, additional states are similarly considering moves. Malaysia plans to ban social media for those under sixteen starting from next year. Brazil has raised the required age for Instagram to 16. However, world organizations adopt a more nuanced stance. The UN children's agency has warned that blanket prohibitions have downsides and "could have unintended consequences". The organization points out that the internet can be a "vital connection" for isolated youth and that regulation should not be a "excuse" for social media firms to improve safety. While this global conversation unfolds, the policies of Australia and several other countries show that governments around the world are increasingly content to wait for platforms to act voluntarily.