🔗 Share this article Might Different States Follow Australia's in Restricting Social Media for Youth Under Sixteen? Australia's controversial policy to prohibit social media access for individuals under sixteen is creating waves around the globe. Officials, safety advocates, and guardians are observing with great interest to see if this strategy will become a template for the rest of the world. European Trend Across Europe, a increasing group of states are considering parallel bans. Denmark has stated a prohibition on social media for under-15s, with the PM arguing that mobile devices and platforms are "taking away our kids' innocence". Legislation may be enacted in the coming year. The Norwegian government is preparing to introduce a minimum age limit of 15, highlighting the need to protect young people from the "influence of the AI". Ireland is working on a online verification tool to confirm the age and identity of social media account holders. The media minister have indicated that an similar ban is "one of the options on the table". In Spain, the president has called on the legislature to approve a bill lifting the legal age for using social media to 16. In France, the head of state has proposed a ban for under-15s, and a parliamentary commission has recommended a related action, potentially involving an overnight "screen time restriction" for adolescents. The authorities in The Dutch government has recommended parents to block their children from social media before 15. At the EU level, the EU parliament has adopted a advisory motion demanding a ban for teenagers under 16 except if a parent decides otherwise is provided. While it cautions of the "addictive" quality of these apps, the resolution does not establish binding law. "A strong age barrier is a solid foundation," said a leading MEP supporting the measure. The UK: A Cautious Stance In the UK, the administration has not ruled out a future ban, arguing that "no measure is discarded" but stressing any decision must be "based on conclusive evidence". Last year, support gathered behind a legislative effort to enact limits on social media use by teenagers, but it was ultimately watered down. Nonetheless, the administration pledged to further research the matter. Charities have expressed concerns. A prominent charity established by the loved ones of a young person who was lost after viewing disturbing online content contends that a blanket age ban might not improve online safety and could result in a "cliff edge" of risk when teens reach the legal age. "This ban is a reaction to the refusal of the tech sector to build tools that are safe and suitable for minors," commented a influential child protection advocate. The United States: A Decentralized Approach Stateside, legislation is largely unfolding at the local government level against a backdrop of federal stalemate. Utah mandates guardian permission for minors to use social media and restricts overnight use. Florida has passed a law barring under-14s from creating accounts on social media, though it is entangled in legal challenges. The state of Virginia has approved a rule restricting under-16s to a single hour of social media access per day, with additional time needing a guardian's okay. Georgia, Tennessee, and The state of Louisiana have likewise introduced measures demanding adult authorization for teenagers to set up social media profiles. Despite bipartisan support and suggestions from some figures to mimic Australia's lead, a nationwide ban is currently seen as a distant prospect. International Views Beyond the West, additional countries are similarly considering moves. The Malaysian government intends to restrict social media for under-16s effective next year. Brazil has raised the required age for one major platform to 16. However, world bodies strike a more cautious stance. Unicef has warned that social media bans have downsides and "might have unintended consequences". The organization highlights that the internet can be a "critical link" for isolated youth and that government action should not be a "substitute" for platform operators to invest in safety. As this international conversation continues, the policies of Australia and its followers demonstrate that policymakers globally are increasingly willing to delay for the industry to act voluntarily.