🔗 Share this article Might Additional States Follow Australia's Example in Restricting Online Networks for Teenagers Under 16? The Australian controversial action to prohibit social platforms access for individuals under sixteen is creating waves internationally. Officials, child protection groups, and parents are watching intently to see if this strategy will set a precedent for other nations. The European Trend Across Europe, a growing chorus of states are moving toward parallel measures. The Danish government has announced a ban on social media for under-15s, with the prime minister declaring that mobile devices and apps are "taking away our children's innocence". Legislation could be formalized next year. Norway is preparing to enforce a access barrier of 15, highlighting the need to shield young people from the "power of the algorithms". Ireland is working on a digital ID system to confirm the identity and age of social media users. Authorities have suggested that an Australian-model ban could be "a potential options on the table". In Spain, the president has urged lawmakers to approve a law raising the minimum age for joining social media to 16. In France, the leader has threatened a ban for children below 15, and a government panel has suggested a related step, including an overnight "internet blackout" for 15- to 18-year-olds. The administration in The Netherlands has advised guardians to prevent their kids from social media before 15. For the broader EU, the EU parliament has approved a non-binding motion supporting a ban for teenagers under 16 except if a parent decides otherwise is provided. Although it cautions of the "habit-forming" design of these services, the resolution does not create mandatory rules. "A clear age restriction is a useful first step," said the parliamentarian supporting the measure. The United Kingdom: A Watchful Eye Across Britain, the leadership has not ruled out a potential ban, arguing that "no option is off the table" but maintaining any action must be "grounded in robust research". Earlier, interest gathered behind a proposal to introduce restrictions on social media use by under-16s, but it was ultimately weakened. Nonetheless, the administration pledged to conduct more studies the matter. Charities have voiced warnings. One foundation set up by the relatives of a young person who was lost after being exposed to disturbing platform posts suggests that a blanket age ban might not improve online safety and could result in a "dangerous transition" of exposure when users become eligible. "Australia's ban is a response to the inability of the tech sector to build tools that are appropriate and fit for young users," said a prominent peer. The US: A Fragmented Picture Stateside, legislation is primarily occurring at the state government level amid country-wide stalemate. Utah mandates adult approval for those under 18 to use social media and restricts nighttime use. The state of Florida has passed a measure barring under-14s from accessing social media, though it is entangled in constitutional disputes. Virginia has passed a law capping teenagers to one hour of social media access per day, with extra access needing adult consent. Georgia, Tennessee, and The state of Louisiana have similarly introduced bills demanding parental consent for under-16s to create social media accounts. Despite widespread concern and proposals from some individuals to mimic the Australian lead, a federal ban is right now seen as unlikely. Global Outlook Apart from these regions, other countries are likewise taking action. The Malaysian government plans to prohibit social media for under-16s effective next year. The Brazilian authorities has lifted the minimum age for the platform Instagram to 16. However, global bodies take a more measured position. The UN children's agency has warned that blanket prohibitions have downsides and "may even have unintended consequences". The body highlights that the internet can be a "vital connection" for isolated young people and that bans should not be a "excuse" for social media firms to improve child safeguards. As this international discussion evolves, the steps of this nation and others indicate that policymakers around the world are less and less willing to stand by for tech companies to make changes on their own.