🔗 Share this article Could Different Nations Pursue Australia's Lead in Banning Social Platforms for Teenagers Under 16? The nation's bold move to restrict social media access for those under 16 is sparking debate internationally. Politicians, campaigners, and guardians are observing intently to see if this tactic will inspire imitation for the rest of the world. Across Europe Movement Across Europe, a growing chorus of nations are moving toward comparable restrictions. The Danish government plans a ban on social media for children under fifteen, with the PM stating that mobile devices and platforms are "taking away our youngsters' childhood". Legislation could be passed next year. Norway is preparing to enforce a minimum age limit of 15, highlighting the need to shield the young from the "manipulative force of the AI". The Irish government is developing a digital wallet to authenticate the age and identity of social media participants. Officials have stated that an Australia-style ban is "one of the tools on the table". In Spain, the president has urged lawmakers to pass a law lifting the legal age for joining social media to 16. In France, the president has proposed a ban for those under fifteen, and a parliamentary commission has endorsed a similar action, alongside an overnight "screen time restriction" for 15- to 18-year-olds. The administration in The Dutch government has advised parents to block their children from social media up to the age of 15. At the EU level, the bloc's legislature has approved a non-binding statement calling for a ban for teenagers under 16 unless guardian approval is granted. Although it cautions of the "habit-forming" design of these apps, the step does not create enforceable legislation. "An effective age restriction is a useful starting point," commented the European lawmaker supporting the measure. The UK: An Evidence-Based Eye In the UK, the government has kept open a potential ban, stating that "nothing is off the table" but maintaining any decision must be "based on robust evidence". Previously, interest grew behind a bill to introduce controls on social media use by minors, but it was in the end watered down. Instead, the government pledged to investigate the issue. Charities have expressed apprehensions. A prominent charity set up by the loved ones of a girl who was lost after viewing dangerous online content contends that a simple age ban might not make platforms safer and could result in a "sudden drop-off" of risk when teens become eligible. "The Australian ban is a response to the failure of the tech sector to create tools that are appropriate and suitable for young users," said a influential online safety campaigner. The US: A Fragmented Landscape Across America, action is primarily unfolding at the regional level amid national stalemate. The state of Utah demands adult approval for under-18s to use social media and limits late-night use. Florida has signed a law barring those below 14 from creating accounts on social media, though it faces court battles. Virginia has approved a law restricting teenagers to one hour of social media time per day, with any further access needing a guardian's okay. Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have also enacted laws demanding guardian approval for teenagers to open social media presences. Despite bipartisan support and proposals from some individuals to mimic the Australian lead, a US-wide ban is presently seen as a distant prospect. International Perspectives Beyond Europe and the US, additional nations are likewise considering moves. The Malaysian government intends to restrict social media for those under sixteen effective next year. Brazil has increased the access age for Instagram to 16. But, global bodies adopt a more cautious tone. The UN children's agency has warned that age-based restrictions pose dangers and "could backfire". The body highlights that social networks can be a "vital connection" for marginalized young people and that bans should not be a "substitute" for social media firms to invest in user protection. As this worldwide conversation unfolds, the policies of the Australian government and several other countries indicate that governments internationally are no longer content to delay for platforms to make changes on their own.