🔗 Share this article Will Different States Emulate Australia's Example in Prohibiting Online Networks for Under-16s? The Australian controversial action to restrict social networking access for young people below 16 is sparking debate worldwide. Officials, campaigners, and parents are watching with great interest to see if this tactic will inspire imitation for the rest of the world. Across Europe Movement Across Europe, a growing chorus of countries are exploring similar bans. Denmark plans a ban on social media for children under fifteen, with the PM stating that smartphones and platforms are "robbing our youngsters' innocence". Legislation may be passed in the coming year. The Norwegian government is set to implement a minimum age limit of 15, citing the need to safeguard the young from the "influence of the algorithms". Ireland is developing a online verification tool to authenticate the identity and age of social media participants. Officials have indicated that an similar ban could be "a potential tools in reserve". In The Spanish government, the president has asked the legislature to approve a proposal increasing the minimum age for joining social media to 16. In The French government, the leader has floated the idea of a ban for those under fifteen, and a parliamentary commission has suggested a related action, including an overnight "internet blackout" for older teenagers. The authorities in the Netherlands has urged families to restrict their kids from social media before 15. Across the European Union, the EU parliament has approved a non-binding motion supporting a ban for minors unless parental consent is granted. While it warns of the "habit-forming" design of these apps, the step does not establish binding law. "A strong age limit is a good first step," said a leading MEP driving the resolution. Britain: A Watchful Approach For the United Kingdom, the government has remained open to a potential ban, emphasizing that "no measure is being dismissed" but insisting any policy must be "supported by conclusive research". Last year, interest grew behind a proposal to impose limits on social media use by under-16s, but it was eventually modified. Instead, the government pledged to investigate the issue. Charities have raised concerns. An organization founded by the loved ones of a teenager who took her own life after encountering harmful platform posts suggests that a blanket age ban may not protect children and could result in a "cliff edge" of risk when teens reach the legal age. "The Australian ban is a response to the refusal of the Silicon Valley to create products and services that are secure and fit for young users," stated a influential peer. The US: A Decentralized Picture In the United States, action is primarily occurring at the local government level amid federal stalemate. The state of Utah demands adult approval for under-18s to use social media and restricts nighttime use. Florida has passed a measure barring those below 14 from joining social media, though it is subject to legal challenges. Virginia has passed a regulation capping under-16s to one hour of social media use per day, with additional time needing a guardian's okay. Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have also enacted bills requiring guardian approval for teenagers to create social media profiles. Despite widespread concern and proposals from various figures to mimic the Australian lead, a nationwide ban is currently seen as unlikely. International Views Beyond Europe and the US, further countries are likewise considering moves. The Malaysian government intends to restrict social media for under-16s effective next year. The Brazilian authorities has raised the access age for the platform Instagram to 16. But, world bodies take a more nuanced position. Unicef has advised that blanket prohibitions carry risks and "could prove counterproductive". The agency points out that social networks can be a "lifeline" for marginalized young people and that government action should not be a "substitute" for tech companies to prioritize user protection. As this worldwide discussion unfolds, the actions of this nation and its followers indicate that governments globally are less and less willing to stand by for tech companies to make changes on their own.