🔗 Share this article Could Different Countries Emulate Australia's Example in Prohibiting Social Media for Youth Under Sixteen? The nation's bold move to prohibit social networking access for individuals under sixteen is sparking debate internationally. Officials, campaigners, and families are observing intently to see if this tactic will inspire imitation for the rest of the world. Across Europe Trend Throughout Europe, a rising number of countries are moving toward parallel bans. Denmark plans a ban on social media for children under fifteen, with the PM stating that phones and apps are "robbing our kids' childhood". Legislation is expected to be formalized soon. The Norwegian government is set to introduce a age restriction of 15, highlighting the need to safeguard children from the "manipulative force of the AI". Ireland is introducing a digital wallet to confirm the user details of social media participants. The media minister have suggested that an Australia-style ban could be "one of the tools in reserve". In Spain, the prime minister has urged the legislature to enact a bill raising the access age for joining social media to 16. In France, the leader has threatened a ban for children below 15, and a legislative committee has recommended a comparable move, potentially involving an overnight "screen time restriction" for adolescents. The government in The Dutch government has recommended parents to prevent their children from social media until 15. At the EU level, the European parliament has adopted a symbolic motion calling for a ban for under-16s unless guardian approval is given. Although it cautions of the "compulsive" quality of these platforms, the step does not create enforceable legislation. "A strong age restriction is a good foundation," commented one European lawmaker supporting the resolution. The UK: An Evidence-Based Eye Across Britain, the government has not ruled out a future ban, emphasizing that "nothing is being dismissed" but insisting any policy must be "grounded in conclusive research". Earlier, support gathered behind a proposal to impose limits on social media use by minors, but it was ultimately watered down. Instead, the administration pledged to further research the matter. Charities have voiced apprehensions. One foundation established by the loved ones of a teenager who took her own life after encountering disturbing online content suggests that a simple age ban may not make platforms safer and could lead to a "sudden drop-off" of exposure when teens reach the legal age. "Australia's ban is a reaction to the inability of the tech sector to design tools that are safe and fit for young users," commented a prominent online safety campaigner. America: A State-by-State Picture Stateside, action is primarily happening at the regional level amid federal stalemate. Utah mandates adult approval for under-18s to use social media and restricts nighttime use. Florida has signed a bill banning those below 14 from creating accounts on social media, though it is subject to constitutional disputes. Virginia has approved a rule capping under-16s to a single hour of social media use per day, with extra access dependent on adult consent. The state of Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have similarly introduced bills requiring guardian approval for teenagers to create social media presences. Even with cross-party agreement and calls from some individuals to mimic the Australian path, a federal ban is currently seen as a distant prospect. Global Views Outside of the West, other countries are similarly considering moves. The Malaysian government aims to ban social media for under-16s starting from next year. Brazil has increased the required age for the platform Instagram to 16. However, international agencies adopt a more measured position. The UN children's agency has cautioned that age-based restrictions carry risks and "could backfire". The organization highlights that the internet can be a "vital connection" for vulnerable young people and that government action should not be a "excuse" for social media firms to invest in child safeguards. Even as this worldwide discussion evolves, the actions of the Australian government and its followers show that policymakers around the world are less and less willing to stand by for tech companies to make changes on their own.