🔗 Share this article Will Additional States Pursue Australia's Example in Restricting Online Networks for Under-16s? The Australian decisive move to restrict social media access for young people below 16 is sending ripples worldwide. Politicians, safety advocates, and families are monitoring with great interest to see if this approach will become a template for other nations. European Trend Across Europe, a increasing chorus of states are exploring similar restrictions. Denmark has announced a ban on social media for children under fifteen, with the prime minister stating that smartphones and apps are "taking away our youngsters' childhood". The policy is expected to be enacted next year. Norway is set to introduce a minimum age limit of 15, pointing to the need to safeguard young people from the "power of the recommendation systems". The Irish government is developing a digital ID system to confirm the age and identity of social media participants. Authorities have suggested that an Australia-style ban remains "one of the tools on the table". In Spain, the president has asked the legislature to enact a proposal raising the access age for joining social media to 16. In France, the president has proposed a ban for children below 15, and a legislative committee has recommended a comparable move, alongside an overnight "internet blackout" for 15- to 18-year-olds. The administration in The Dutch government has recommended parents to restrict their children from social media before 15. Across the European Union, the EU parliament has approved a non-binding motion calling for a ban for under-16s unless parental consent is given. Although it highlights of the "compulsive" design of these services, the step does not create mandatory rules. "A strong age barrier is a good first step," commented the parliamentarian supporting the initiative. The UK: An Evidence-Based Eye Across Britain, the government has not ruled out a possible ban, emphasizing that "no measure is being dismissed" but maintaining any decision must be "based on strong evidence". Earlier, interest gathered behind a legislative effort to enact restrictions on social media use by teenagers, but it was in the end modified. However, the administration committed to further research the issue. Campaign organizations have voiced apprehensions. One foundation established by the family of a girl who died after viewing harmful social media material contends that a blanket age ban could fail to make platforms safer and could lead to a "cliff edge" of risk when teens reach the legal age. "The Australian ban is a reaction to the inability of the social media companies to create platforms and apps that are appropriate and suitable for children," stated a prominent peer. America: A Fragmented Picture Across America, action is largely occurring at the local level due to federal gridlock. The state of Utah requires parental consent for under-18s to use social media and limits nighttime use. The state of Florida has passed a bill barring children under fourteen from accessing social media, though it faces constitutional disputes. Virginia has approved a regulation limiting under-16s to one hour of social media use per day, with additional use dependent on a guardian's okay. Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have also passed measures requiring parental consent for teenagers to open social media presences. Even with cross-party agreement and suggestions from certain figures to mimic the Australian path, a federal ban is currently seen as a distant prospect. Worldwide Perspectives Beyond Europe and the US, other states are likewise considering moves. Malaysia aims to restrict social media for teenagers beginning next year. Brazil has lifted the required age for Instagram to 16. Yet, world bodies adopt a more nuanced position. The UN children's agency has cautioned that blanket prohibitions have downsides and "may even backfire". The organization highlights that online platforms can be a "lifeline" for marginalized young people and that regulation should not be a "replacement" for platform operators to prioritize safety. While this global conversation unfolds, the steps of Australia and others show that states internationally are increasingly prepared to stand by for tech companies to act voluntarily.