🔗 Share this article Could Different States Pursue Australia's Example in Banning Social Media for Youth Under Sixteen? The nation's controversial move to ban social platforms access for young people below 16 is sparking debate worldwide. Officials, campaigners, and parents are observing with great interest to see if this strategy will set a precedent for countries abroad. Across Europe Trend In Europe, a increasing chorus of countries are considering similar measures. Denmark has announced a prohibition on social media for children under fifteen, with the PM arguing that smartphones and apps are "stealing our kids' innocence". Legislation could be formalized next year. The Norwegian government is preparing to enforce a minimum age limit of 15, pointing to the need to safeguard children from the "manipulative force of the algorithms". Ireland is developing a online verification tool to verify the age and identity of social media users. The media minister have suggested that an similar ban remains "an options under consideration". In Spain, the president has asked lawmakers to pass a bill increasing the access age for accessing social media to 16. In France, the leader has threatened a ban for under-15s, and a legislative committee has recommended a related step, potentially involving an overnight "screen time restriction" for 15- to 18-year-olds. The administration in The Dutch government has advised families to restrict their youngsters from social media up to the age of 15. For the broader EU, the European parliament has approved a non-binding statement calling for a ban for under-16s unless guardian approval is given. Although it highlights of the "habit-forming" design of these apps, the resolution does not enact mandatory rules. "A strong age barrier is a good starting point," said a leading parliamentarian driving the measure. The United Kingdom: An Evidence-Based Approach Across Britain, the leadership has kept open a possible ban, stating that "nothing is off the table" but insisting any decision must be "supported by robust research". Earlier, momentum built behind a legislative effort to impose restrictions on social media use by teenagers, but it was ultimately modified. Nonetheless, the administration committed to investigate the issue. Advocacy groups have raised apprehensions. A prominent charity founded by the family of a young person who was lost after encountering harmful social media material argues that a strict age ban may not improve online safety and could create a "sudden drop-off" of risk when teens become eligible. "The Australian ban is a reaction to the inability of the Silicon Valley to build platforms and apps that are appropriate and fit for young users," commented a leading child protection advocate. America: A Fragmented Picture Stateside, action is largely happening at the local level against a backdrop of country-wide inaction. Utah demands adult approval for minors to use social media and restricts nighttime use. Florida has enacted a bill banning those below 14 from creating accounts on social media, though it is entangled in legal challenges. The state of Virginia has approved a rule capping under-16s to 60 minutes of social media time per day, with any further access requiring parental permission. Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have likewise enacted bills demanding guardian approval for teenagers to create social media presences. Despite cross-party agreement and suggestions from certain figures to copy the Australian example, a US-wide ban is presently seen as unlikely. Worldwide Views Beyond the West, other states are similarly exploring options. The Malaysian government plans to ban social media for under-16s effective next year. Brazil has lifted the minimum age for one major platform to 16. But, world bodies adopt a more cautious position. A major UN agency has warned that age-based restrictions pose dangers and "may even backfire". The agency notes that the internet can be a "lifeline" for vulnerable children and that government action should not be a "substitute" for platform operators to invest in user protection. Even as this international debate unfolds, the steps of Australia and others show that states around the world are increasingly willing to stand by for the industry to self-regulate.