🔗 Share this article Will Additional Countries Follow Australia's Example in Banning Social Media for Teenagers Under 16? Australia's bold action to ban social platforms access for those under 16 is sending ripples worldwide. Lawmakers, safety advocates, and parents are observing closely to see if this approach will set a precedent for the rest of the world. Across Europe Momentum Throughout Europe, a rising group of states are moving toward parallel measures. The Danish government plans a prohibition on social media for youth below 15, with the prime minister declaring that phones and apps are "robbing our kids' childhood". The policy could be passed soon. Norway is preparing to introduce a access barrier of 15, pointing to the need to protect young people from the "power of the AI". Ireland is developing a digital wallet to verify the identity and age of social media users. Officials have suggested that an similar ban remains "a potential measures under consideration". In Spain, the president has asked the legislature to pass a bill lifting the minimum age for accessing social media to 16. In The French government, the president has threatened a ban for children below 15, and a legislative committee has recommended a related action, including an overnight "screen time restriction" for older teenagers. The authorities in the Netherlands has advised families to restrict their children from social media before 15. For the broader EU, the EU parliament has passed a non-binding motion supporting a ban for under-16s unless guardian approval is granted. Although it highlights of the "habit-forming" quality of these services, the resolution does not establish enforceable legislation. "A clear age barrier is a useful starting point," commented a leading European lawmaker driving the initiative. Britain: A Cautious Stance In the UK, the administration has not ruled out a possible ban, arguing that "no measure is being dismissed" but stressing any decision must be "supported by strong evidence". Previously, interest gathered behind a proposal to impose limits on social media use by teenagers, but it was ultimately weakened. Nonetheless, the government committed to conduct more studies the topic. Charities have raised warnings. One foundation founded by the loved ones of a girl who died after being exposed to harmful social media material contends that a blanket age ban could fail to protect children and could create a "cliff edge" of risk when young people become eligible. "The Australian ban is a response to the failure of the social media companies to build tools that are secure and fit for minors," said a influential peer. America: A State-by-State Picture Across America, action is primarily happening at the regional level amid federal stalemate. Utah mandates guardian permission for under-18s to use social media and controls late-night use. Florida has enacted a law barring under-14s from creating accounts on social media, though it is entangled in legal challenges. The state of Virginia has enacted a law restricting under-16s to one hour of social media access per day, with any further use dependent on adult consent. Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and The state of Louisiana have likewise introduced measures mandating parental consent for under-16s to open social media accounts. Even with cross-party agreement and suggestions from certain politicians to follow the Australian example, a federal ban is right now seen as a distant prospect. Worldwide Perspectives Apart from these regions, further nations are similarly taking action. The Malaysian government intends to prohibit social media for those under sixteen starting from next year. The Brazilian authorities has increased the access age for one major platform to 16. But, world organizations strike a more nuanced tone. A major UN agency has advised that age-based restrictions carry risks and "could backfire". The organization notes that the internet can be a "vital connection" for isolated youth and that regulation should not be a "substitute" for platform operators to improve safety. While this worldwide conversation unfolds, the steps of the Australian government and others demonstrate that policymakers around the world are less and less content to stand by for tech companies to make changes on their own.