🔗 Share this article Could Different Countries Follow Australia's Example in Restricting Social Media for Teenagers Under 16? Australia's decisive move to restrict social platforms access for young people below 16 is sending ripples around the globe. Officials, child protection groups, and guardians are observing closely to see if this strategy will become a template for the rest of the world. European Trend In Europe, a rising number of states are exploring similar measures. The Danish government plans a prohibition on social media for under-15s, with the leader declaring that phones and apps are "taking away our children's innocence". A law is expected to be enacted next year. Norway is preparing to implement a minimum age limit of 15, citing the need to safeguard young people from the "power of the AI". The Irish government is working on a digital ID system to confirm the identity and age of social media participants. Authorities have indicated that an similar ban remains "one of the tools on the table". In Spain, the prime minister has asked the legislature to pass a bill increasing the access age for accessing social media to 16. In France, the leader has floated the idea of a ban for children below 15, and a legislative committee has suggested a similar step, potentially involving an overnight "digital curfew" for 15- to 18-year-olds. The authorities in the Netherlands has advised guardians to block their children from social media before 15. Across the European Union, the European parliament has passed a non-binding resolution calling for a ban for minors without guardian approval is provided. Although it warns of the "compulsive" design of these services, the move does not create enforceable legislation. "An effective age barrier is a solid starting point," commented the European lawmaker supporting the initiative. The United Kingdom: A Watchful Stance In the UK, the government has remained open to a potential ban, emphasizing that "no option is discarded" but maintaining any policy must be "grounded in strong data". Last year, support built behind a proposal to impose restrictions on social media use by minors, but it was eventually weakened. Nonetheless, the government pledged to further research the issue. Campaign organizations have raised apprehensions. A prominent charity founded by the loved ones of a teenager who took her own life after viewing dangerous social media material argues that a blanket age ban might not make platforms safer and could create a "dangerous transition" of exposure when users turn 16. "Australia's ban is a response to the inability of the social media companies to build platforms and apps that are secure and age appropriate for minors," commented a prominent peer. America: A State-by-State Picture In the United States, action is primarily happening at the state government level against a backdrop of national inaction. The state of Utah demands guardian permission for those under 18 to use social media and restricts overnight use. Florida has enacted a bill banning under-14s from accessing social media, though it is entangled in court battles. The state of Virginia has enacted a law capping teenagers to a single hour of social media time per day, with any further access dependent on a guardian's okay. Georgia, Tennessee, and The state of Louisiana have similarly introduced laws mandating parental consent for teenagers to open social media presences. Despite bipartisan support and suggestions from various individuals to follow this example, a US-wide ban is currently seen as improbable. International Views Apart from Europe and the US, other states are also exploring options. Malaysia intends to prohibit social media for under-16s beginning next year. The Brazilian authorities has raised the access age for the platform Instagram to 16. Yet, world organizations take a more nuanced stance. A major UN agency has warned that social media bans carry risks and "might have unintended consequences". The organization highlights that online platforms can be a "vital connection" for marginalized children and that regulation should not be a "replacement" for tech companies to prioritize safety. Even as this international debate unfolds, the policies of Australia and several other countries indicate that states around the world are increasingly content to stand by for the industry to make changes on their own.