🔗 Share this article Could Different States Follow Australia's in Banning Online Networks for Under-16s? The Australian decisive policy to restrict social media access for individuals under sixteen is sending ripples around the globe. Politicians, safety advocates, and parents are watching closely to see if this approach will inspire imitation for countries abroad. Across Europe Momentum Throughout Europe, a rising group of countries are moving toward parallel bans. Denmark plans a ban on social media for under-15s, with the PM arguing that phones and apps are "taking away our children's childhood". Legislation is expected to be passed in the coming year. The Norwegian government is set to introduce a age restriction of 15, pointing to the need to protect children from the "influence of the algorithms". Ireland is working on a digital ID system to verify the user details of social media account holders. Authorities have stated that an Australia-style ban is "a potential measures in reserve". In The Spanish government, the leader has called on lawmakers to pass a law increasing the access age for joining social media to 16. In France, the leader has floated the idea of a ban for under-15s, and a government panel has suggested a comparable action, alongside an overnight "digital curfew" for older teenagers. The authorities in the Netherlands has urged parents to restrict their kids from social media before 15. At the EU level, the bloc's legislature has adopted a advisory statement supporting a ban for teenagers under 16 unless a parent decides otherwise is provided. Even though it highlights of the "habit-forming" nature of these apps, the resolution does not establish binding law. "A strong age limit is a good foundation," stated a leading European lawmaker supporting the initiative. The UK: An Evidence-Based Stance For the United Kingdom, the leadership has kept open a potential ban, stating that "nothing is being dismissed" but insisting any decision must be "grounded in robust research". Previously, interest grew behind a legislative effort to enact controls on social media use by minors, but it was in the end watered down. Nonetheless, the government vowed to further research the topic. Advocacy groups have raised concerns. An organization established by the loved ones of a girl who was lost after encountering harmful platform posts suggests that a blanket age ban may not make platforms safer and could result in a "cliff edge" of harm when teens reach the legal age. "This ban is a reaction to the failure of the tech sector to design platforms and apps that are secure and fit for minors," said a influential child protection advocate. The US: A Fragmented Picture Stateside, regulation is primarily happening at the regional government level amid national stalemate. Utah mandates parental consent for those under 18 to use social media and limits late-night use. The state of Florida has passed a bill prohibiting children under fourteen from creating accounts on social media, though it faces court battles. Virginia has approved a rule restricting under-16s to a single hour of social media time per day, with additional access dependent on parental permission. The state of Georgia, Tennessee, and The state of Louisiana have similarly introduced laws requiring guardian approval for under-16s to set up social media accounts. Even with widespread concern and calls from various politicians to copy this path, a nationwide ban is right now seen as unlikely. International Views Beyond the West, additional states are likewise taking action. Malaysia intends to prohibit social media for under-16s beginning next year. Brazil has lifted the required age for Instagram to 16. But, world bodies take a more nuanced position. Unicef has cautioned that age-based restrictions carry risks and "could backfire". The organization highlights that social networks can be a "lifeline" for marginalized children and that government action should not be a "replacement" for social media firms to improve child safeguards. As this global debate evolves, the steps of Australia and others show that states internationally are no longer willing to stand by for the industry to act voluntarily.