🔗 Share this article Will Additional States Follow Australia's in Prohibiting Online Networks for Under-16s? Australia's bold policy to ban social media access for those under 16 is sparking debate around the globe. Lawmakers, child protection groups, and parents are observing with great interest to see if this tactic will become a template for the rest of the world. Across Europe Momentum In Europe, a growing number of states are moving toward comparable restrictions. Denmark plans a ban on social media for children under fifteen, with the prime minister arguing that mobile devices and apps are "stealing our children's youth". A law may be enacted next year. The Norwegian government is planning to implement a access barrier of 15, highlighting the need to shield the young from the "influence of the AI". Ireland is developing a digital wallet to verify the identity and age of social media users. Officials have stated that an Australia-style ban remains "an tools under consideration". In Spain, the prime minister has asked parliament to approve a bill increasing the access age for joining social media to 16. In France, the president has threatened a ban for children below 15, and a government panel has recommended a comparable move, potentially involving an overnight "screen time restriction" for older teenagers. The government in the Netherlands has recommended parents to prevent their kids from social media up to the age of 15. At the EU level, the EU parliament has passed a non-binding motion demanding a ban for teenagers under 16 except if a parent decides otherwise is granted. While it warns of the "addictive" nature of these services, the move does not create mandatory rules. "A strong age restriction is a solid foundation," stated a leading MEP behind the resolution. The United Kingdom: A Cautious Approach For the United Kingdom, the leadership has kept open a possible ban, stating that "no measure is off the table" but stressing any decision must be "grounded in strong research". Last year, support grew behind a legislative effort to introduce restrictions on social media use by teenagers, but it was eventually watered down. However, the government pledged to further research the issue. Charities have expressed warnings. One foundation founded by the family of a teenager who died after encountering disturbing social media material suggests that a simple age ban may not make platforms safer and could create a "sudden drop-off" of harm when users reach the legal age. "Australia's ban is a answer to the inability of the social media companies to build tools that are appropriate and age appropriate for children," commented a influential child protection advocate. The US: A State-by-State Picture In the United States, legislation is mostly happening at the state level amid national gridlock. The state of Utah mandates adult approval for under-18s to use social media and limits overnight use. Florida has enacted a measure prohibiting those below 14 from creating accounts on social media, though it is subject to constitutional disputes. Virginia has approved a law capping minors to one hour of social media time per day, with extra access dependent on a guardian's okay. Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have also passed measures requiring parental consent for teenagers to set up social media profiles. Despite cross-party agreement and suggestions from some figures to mimic this path, a nationwide ban is currently seen as unlikely. Global Views Apart from these regions, other states are likewise taking action. Malaysia aims to ban social media for those under sixteen effective next year. Brazil has lifted the minimum age for one major platform to 16. But, global bodies take a more measured position. A major UN agency has cautioned that age-based restrictions pose dangers and "might backfire". The body points out that social networks can be a "lifeline" for marginalized youth and that regulation should not be a "replacement" for platform operators to invest in safety. While this international debate continues, the policies of the Australian government and several other countries show that policymakers around the world are no longer content to stand by for the industry to make changes on their own.