🔗 Share this article Could Different Nations Pursue Australia's Lead in Banning Online Networks for Teenagers Under 16? The Australian decisive action to restrict social media access for those under 16 is sparking debate internationally. Lawmakers, child protection groups, and guardians are observing intently to see if this approach will set a precedent for countries abroad. The European Movement In Europe, a increasing number of states are exploring parallel measures. Denmark has stated a ban on social media for under-15s, with the PM arguing that smartphones and apps are "taking away our kids' innocence". The policy could be passed in the coming year. The Norwegian government is set to enforce a age restriction of 15, highlighting the need to safeguard the young from the "power of the AI". Ireland is working on a digital ID system to verify the age and identity of social media participants. Officials have stated that an similar ban is "an options under consideration". In Spain, the prime minister has called on the legislature to approve a law lifting the access age for joining social media to 16. In The French government, the leader has threatened a ban for children below 15, and a parliamentary commission has suggested a similar action, alongside an overnight "screen time restriction" for 15- to 18-year-olds. The government in The Netherlands has recommended parents to prevent their kids from social media up to the age of 15. Across the European Union, the EU parliament has passed a advisory motion calling for a ban for minors unless parental consent is given. While it cautions of the "addictive" quality of these platforms, the resolution does not enact enforceable legislation. "An effective age restriction is a useful foundation," commented the parliamentarian supporting the measure. The United Kingdom: An Evidence-Based Stance Across Britain, the leadership has remained open to a possible ban, arguing that "no measure is off the table" but maintaining any action must be "based on robust evidence". Earlier, momentum built behind a legislative effort to introduce restrictions on social media use by teenagers, but it was eventually weakened. Instead, the government pledged to further research the matter. Advocacy groups have raised apprehensions. A prominent charity founded by the family of a teenager who was lost after viewing harmful social media material suggests that a simple age ban may not improve online safety and could create a "dangerous transition" of harm when teens turn 16. "Australia's ban is a answer to the failure of the tech sector to create tools that are appropriate and suitable for minors," said a prominent child protection advocate. The United States: A Fragmented Landscape Stateside, legislation is primarily occurring at the local level due to country-wide gridlock. Utah mandates guardian permission for minors to use social media and limits late-night use. Florida has enacted a measure barring under-14s from accessing social media, though it is subject to court battles. Virginia has approved a regulation capping minors to 60 minutes of social media time per day, with additional access dependent on a guardian's okay. The state of Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have similarly enacted laws requiring adult authorization for teenagers to open social media accounts. Despite widespread concern and proposals from certain figures to mimic Australia's path, a federal ban is currently seen as a distant prospect. Global Outlook Beyond Europe and the US, other nations are also considering moves. The Malaysian government plans to restrict social media for teenagers beginning next year. Brazil has raised the required age for the platform Instagram to 16. However, world organizations adopt a more cautious tone. The UN children's agency has warned that social media bans carry risks and "may even backfire". The body notes that the internet can be a "critical link" for vulnerable young people and that bans should not be a "substitute" for platform operators to improve child safeguards. Even as this global debate unfolds, the steps of the Australian government and its followers indicate that states around the world are less and less willing to stand by for tech companies to self-regulate.