🔗 Share this article Will Additional Nations Emulate Australia's Example in Banning Online Networks for Youth Under Sixteen? The nation's bold action to ban social platforms access for individuals under sixteen is creating waves worldwide. Lawmakers, campaigners, and families are watching with great interest to see if this approach will inspire imitation for countries abroad. The European Movement In Europe, a growing chorus of states are moving toward comparable measures. Denmark plans a prohibition on social media for under-15s, with the prime minister stating that smartphones and networks are "stealing our youngsters' youth". Legislation could be enacted in the coming year. Norway is planning to enforce a minimum age limit of 15, pointing to the need to protect children from the "influence of the AI". The Irish government is introducing a online verification tool to confirm the age and identity of social media users. Officials have stated that an similar ban remains "a potential options in reserve". In Spain, the leader has asked the legislature to pass a proposal increasing the minimum age for accessing social media to 16. In France, the leader has proposed a ban for under-15s, and a government panel has endorsed a similar move, alongside an overnight "internet blackout" for older teenagers. The authorities in the Netherlands has recommended guardians to block their kids from social media up to the age of 15. For the broader EU, the bloc's legislature has passed a non-binding motion calling for a ban for under-16s without parental consent is provided. Even though it warns of the "habit-forming" quality of these platforms, the move does not create binding law. "A clear age limit is a useful starting point," stated one parliamentarian driving the measure. The United Kingdom: An Evidence-Based Approach Across Britain, the leadership has remained open to a possible ban, arguing that "nothing is being dismissed" but stressing any decision must be "grounded in robust evidence". Last year, interest grew behind a bill to introduce restrictions on social media use by teenagers, but it was in the end modified. However, the administration committed to conduct more studies the topic. Advocacy groups have voiced concerns. A prominent charity set up by the loved ones of a teenager who took her own life after being exposed to harmful platform posts suggests that a blanket age ban could fail to protect children and could result in a "dangerous transition" of exposure when teens turn 16. "This ban is a answer to the refusal of the social media companies to create tools that are safe and age appropriate for minors," commented a prominent peer. The US: A Fragmented Approach Stateside, legislation is mostly happening at the regional level amid country-wide inaction. Utah demands parental consent for under-18s to use social media and controls nighttime use. Florida has enacted a law banning children under fourteen from creating accounts on social media, though it is entangled in constitutional disputes. The state of Virginia has enacted a rule restricting teenagers to a single hour of social media access per day, with any further access requiring adult consent. The state of Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and Louisiana have also passed measures requiring guardian approval for under-16s to open social media accounts. Even with cross-party agreement and calls from various figures to copy this example, a nationwide ban is right now seen as improbable. Worldwide Views Outside of Europe and the US, additional nations are similarly exploring options. The Malaysian government aims to prohibit social media for teenagers effective next year. Brazil has increased the access age for one major platform to 16. However, global agencies take a more cautious tone. The UN children's agency has warned that blanket prohibitions have downsides and "could have unintended consequences". The body points out that the internet can be a "critical link" for marginalized children and that regulation should not be a "excuse" for tech companies to invest in user protection. Even as this international conversation unfolds, the steps of this nation and others indicate that governments around the world are less and less prepared to stand by for tech companies to self-regulate.