đź”— Share this article Will Other Countries Follow Australia's Example in Banning Social Platforms for Youth Under Sixteen? The nation's decisive action to prohibit social media access for young people below 16 is creating waves internationally. Lawmakers, campaigners, and parents are observing closely to see if this approach will inspire imitation for countries abroad. Across Europe Trend Across Europe, a rising chorus of nations are moving toward comparable measures. The Danish government has announced a restriction on social media for youth below 15, with the prime minister arguing that mobile devices and platforms are "stealing our children's youth". Legislation could be passed in the coming year. Norway is preparing to enforce a age restriction of 15, highlighting the need to protect young people from the "manipulative force of the recommendation systems". Ireland is developing a digital ID system to verify the identity and age of social media account holders. Officials have indicated that an Australia-style ban remains "an measures on the table". In Spain, the leader has called on parliament to enact a law increasing the access age for accessing social media to 16. In France, the head of state has threatened a ban for under-15s, and a parliamentary commission has endorsed a similar action, potentially involving an overnight "digital curfew" for adolescents. The authorities in The Dutch government has recommended families to block their youngsters from social media before 15. At the EU level, the European parliament has adopted a non-binding motion demanding a ban for teenagers under 16 without a parent decides otherwise is granted. Even though it cautions of the "habit-forming" design of these apps, the step does not create binding law. "An effective age limit is a solid starting point," stated the MEP supporting the initiative. The UK: An Evidence-Based Stance For the United Kingdom, the leadership has remained open to a potential ban, arguing that "no measure is off the table" but insisting any decision must be "supported by conclusive data". Last year, momentum built behind a legislative effort to enact restrictions on social media use by teenagers, but it was ultimately watered down. Instead, the administration pledged to investigate the topic. Advocacy groups have expressed concerns. One foundation set up by the loved ones of a girl who was lost after encountering harmful social media material suggests that a simple age ban might not make platforms safer and could lead to a "sudden drop-off" of exposure when users turn 16. "This ban is a answer to the failure of the tech sector to design tools that are secure and fit for minors," said a leading online safety campaigner. The US: A Fragmented Picture In the United States, legislation is mostly unfolding at the local level amid national inaction. Utah demands guardian permission for those under 18 to use social media and restricts overnight use. The state of Florida has enacted a measure barring children under fourteen from creating accounts on social media, though it faces court battles. Virginia has enacted a rule restricting under-16s to one hour of social media time per day, with additional access dependent on parental permission. The state of Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have similarly enacted bills requiring parental consent for minors to open social media profiles. Despite widespread concern and calls from some individuals to follow the Australian lead, a nationwide ban is right now seen as improbable. Global Views Outside of Europe and the US, other states are likewise exploring options. Malaysia plans to ban social media for those under sixteen starting from next year. The Brazilian authorities has lifted the minimum age for one major platform to 16. But, global agencies strike a more nuanced stance. The UN children's agency has cautioned that social media bans have downsides and "may even have unintended consequences". The agency points out that online platforms can be a "vital connection" for vulnerable young people and that bans should not be a "substitute" for tech companies to improve safety. Even as this global conversation unfolds, the steps of Australia and its followers indicate that policymakers internationally are increasingly willing to stand by for tech companies to make changes on their own.