🔗 Share this article Will Different States Emulate Australia's Example in Banning Social Media for Teenagers Under 16? The Australian decisive move to prohibit social networking access for young people below 16 is creating waves around the globe. Officials, safety advocates, and families are observing closely to see if this approach will become a template for the rest of the world. The European Momentum Throughout Europe, a growing group of states are moving toward similar measures. Denmark plans a restriction on social media for children under fifteen, with the leader arguing that mobile devices and networks are "stealing our children's youth". A law may be passed in the coming year. Norway is preparing to implement a age restriction of 15, citing the need to shield the young from the "power of the AI". Ireland is working on a digital ID system to authenticate the identity and age of social media users. Officials have stated that an Australian-model ban could be "an tools under consideration". In Spain, the prime minister has asked parliament to enact a law lifting the minimum age for accessing social media to 16. In France, the president has proposed a ban for those under fifteen, and a parliamentary commission has recommended a related action, potentially involving an overnight "internet blackout" for adolescents. The authorities in the Netherlands has recommended guardians to block their kids from social media up to the age of 15. For the broader EU, the EU parliament has passed a advisory motion supporting a ban for minors unless a parent decides otherwise is provided. While it cautions of the "compulsive" quality of these services, the resolution does not create mandatory rules. "A clear age barrier is a good foundation," said one European lawmaker supporting the resolution. The UK: A Watchful Stance Across Britain, the administration has remained open to a possible ban, stating that "no option is discarded" but maintaining any decision must be "supported by strong evidence". Last year, support gathered behind a legislative effort to impose limits on social media use by teenagers, but it was in the end watered down. However, the administration pledged to conduct more studies the matter. Advocacy groups have raised apprehensions. An organization set up by the loved ones of a young person who was lost after being exposed to disturbing platform posts contends that a simple age ban may not protect children and could result in a "cliff edge" of harm when teens turn 16. "Australia's ban is a reaction to the refusal of the social media companies to build tools that are secure and suitable for children," commented a prominent child protection advocate. America: A Fragmented Picture Stateside, regulation is mostly happening at the local level amid country-wide stalemate. The state of Utah demands guardian permission for minors to use social media and limits overnight use. Florida has enacted a law prohibiting children under fourteen from accessing social media, though it is entangled in legal challenges. The state of Virginia has enacted a rule limiting teenagers to one hour of social media use per day, with any further time dependent on adult consent. Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and Louisiana have similarly enacted measures requiring guardian approval for under-16s to set up social media accounts. Despite widespread concern and suggestions from some individuals to follow the Australian path, a federal ban is currently seen as improbable. Worldwide Outlook Beyond these regions, other states are also considering moves. Malaysia intends to restrict social media for teenagers starting from next year. Brazil has lifted the access age for one major platform to 16. But, world agencies take a more nuanced tone. Unicef has advised that age-based restrictions pose dangers and "may even have unintended consequences". The body notes that online platforms can be a "lifeline" for isolated youth and that bans should not be a "replacement" for tech companies to invest in user protection. While this international debate continues, the actions of Australia and others show that states globally are increasingly willing to wait for the industry to act voluntarily.