🔗 Share this article Will Other States Pursue Australia's in Restricting Social Media for Under-16s? The nation's controversial policy to ban social platforms access for those under 16 is sparking debate worldwide. Officials, campaigners, and families are monitoring closely to see if this tactic will set a precedent for countries abroad. Across Europe Momentum Across Europe, a rising group of countries are moving toward similar bans. Denmark plans a ban on social media for children under fifteen, with the PM declaring that smartphones and platforms are "robbing our kids' innocence". A law could be passed next year. Norway is planning to implement a age restriction of 15, citing the need to safeguard the young from the "influence of the algorithms". Ireland is introducing a digital wallet to verify the identity and age of social media account holders. The media minister have indicated that an similar ban is "an tools under consideration". In Spain, the president has called on the legislature to enact a bill raising the minimum age for using social media to 16. In France, the head of state has floated the idea of a ban for children below 15, and a government panel has recommended a related move, alongside an overnight "screen time restriction" for adolescents. The authorities in the Netherlands has recommended parents to block their kids from social media until 15. Across the European Union, the bloc's legislature has approved a advisory statement supporting a ban for under-16s except if parental consent is granted. Even though it cautions of the "habit-forming" design of these services, the resolution does not establish mandatory rules. "A clear age barrier is a solid foundation," commented a leading European lawmaker behind the resolution. Britain: A Watchful Eye Across Britain, the leadership has remained open to a future ban, stating that "nothing is discarded" but insisting any action must be "based on strong evidence". Earlier, interest built behind a bill to introduce limits on social media use by minors, but it was eventually weakened. Instead, the administration pledged to further research the issue. Charities have voiced concerns. One foundation set up by the relatives of a teenager who was lost after being exposed to disturbing platform posts contends that a blanket age ban could fail to protect children and could lead to a "sudden drop-off" of risk when users reach the legal age. "Australia's ban is a response to the failure of the Silicon Valley to build products and services that are secure and suitable for young users," commented a influential child protection advocate. The US: A Decentralized Picture Across America, regulation is largely unfolding at the local level amid country-wide stalemate. Utah demands adult approval for those under 18 to use social media and restricts nighttime use. Florida has enacted a measure banning children under fourteen from creating accounts on social media, though it is subject to legal challenges. Virginia has approved a regulation capping teenagers to 60 minutes of social media access per day, with any further use dependent on adult consent. Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and Louisiana have likewise passed laws requiring parental consent for under-16s to create social media accounts. Even with cross-party agreement and suggestions from some figures to mimic this lead, a nationwide ban is right now seen as unlikely. Worldwide Outlook Apart from these regions, additional nations are also considering moves. The Malaysian government intends to restrict social media for those under sixteen starting from next year. Brazil has raised the access age for one major platform to 16. However, global organizations strike a more measured stance. A major UN agency has cautioned that blanket prohibitions pose dangers and "could prove counterproductive". The body highlights that the internet can be a "lifeline" for isolated young people and that regulation should not be a "substitute" for platform operators to invest in child safeguards. As this international discussion continues, the actions of the Australian government and several other countries show that policymakers around the world are less and less willing to wait for the industry to make changes on their own.