🔗 Share this article Might Other Nations Pursue Australia's Lead in Restricting Social Media for Teenagers Under 16? The nation's controversial move to restrict social platforms access for those under 16 is creating waves around the globe. Lawmakers, campaigners, and parents are observing intently to see if this strategy will inspire imitation for the rest of the world. The European Movement Across Europe, a increasing chorus of nations are moving toward parallel bans. The Danish government has announced a ban on social media for children under fifteen, with the PM arguing that smartphones and networks are "stealing our children's childhood". The policy is expected to be enacted soon. The Norwegian government is planning to introduce a access barrier of 15, citing the need to protect children from the "influence of the algorithms". The Irish government is developing a digital wallet to authenticate the identity and age of social media users. Officials have suggested that an Australian-model ban is "an measures on the table". In Spain, the president has urged parliament to approve a law lifting the access age for joining social media to 16. In France, the president has proposed a ban for children below 15, and a parliamentary commission has endorsed a comparable action, including an overnight "internet blackout" for older teenagers. The government in The Dutch government has urged parents to prevent their youngsters from social media before 15. At the EU level, the EU parliament has adopted a non-binding motion calling for a ban for under-16s unless parental consent is given. Although it warns of the "habit-forming" quality of these platforms, the move does not create binding law. "An effective age barrier is a good starting point," said a leading European lawmaker supporting the measure. Britain: An Evidence-Based Approach For the United Kingdom, the government has remained open to a possible ban, emphasizing that "no measure is discarded" but maintaining any action must be "grounded in conclusive 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 government pledged to investigate the topic. Advocacy groups have raised apprehensions. An organization established by the loved ones of a teenager who was lost after viewing dangerous online content argues that a strict age ban might not improve online safety and could lead to a "dangerous transition" of exposure when teens turn 16. "Australia's ban is a response to the inability of the Silicon Valley to build tools that are secure and fit for children," said a influential online safety campaigner. The US: A State-by-State Picture Across America, action is primarily happening at the local level against a backdrop of federal inaction. Utah demands parental consent for minors to use social media and restricts late-night use. Florida has signed a measure banning those below 14 from accessing social media, though it is subject to constitutional disputes. The state of Virginia has enacted a regulation limiting minors to a single hour of social media access per day, with additional access needing a guardian's okay. The state of Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have similarly enacted bills requiring parental consent for under-16s to open social media presences. Despite cross-party agreement and calls from some figures to copy this example, a nationwide ban is currently seen as unlikely. International Outlook Beyond the West, other countries are likewise considering moves. Malaysia plans to prohibit social media for those under sixteen starting from next year. Brazil has lifted the access age for Instagram to 16. But, global bodies strike a more cautious stance. Unicef has cautioned that blanket prohibitions pose dangers and "might backfire". The body points out that the internet can be a "critical link" for isolated children and that government action should not be a "substitute" for tech companies to prioritize user protection. Even as this global discussion unfolds, the actions of Australia and several other countries indicate that policymakers around the world are increasingly prepared to stand by for the industry to self-regulate.