🔗 Share this article Might Additional States Pursue Australia's Lead in Restricting Social Media for Youth Under Sixteen? Australia's controversial policy to ban social media access for individuals under sixteen is creating waves around the globe. Politicians, safety advocates, and families are observing intently to see if this strategy will inspire imitation for the rest of the world. European Movement Across Europe, a increasing chorus of nations are exploring parallel measures. Denmark has stated a restriction on social media for children under fifteen, with the PM arguing that phones and apps are "taking away our youngsters' innocence". A law is expected to be formalized in the coming year. Norway is preparing to implement a minimum age limit of 15, citing the need to safeguard the young from the "manipulative force of the algorithms". Ireland is working on a digital wallet to confirm the user details of social media users. The media minister have suggested that an Australian-model ban is "a potential tools under consideration". In The Spanish government, the leader has called on parliament to enact a law lifting the legal age for joining social media to 16. In France, the leader has threatened a ban for those under fifteen, and a legislative committee has endorsed a related step, alongside an overnight "internet blackout" for adolescents. The government in The Dutch government has recommended families to restrict their children from social media before 15. At the EU level, the EU parliament has adopted a symbolic motion calling for a ban for teenagers under 16 without a parent decides otherwise is given. Although it cautions of the "compulsive" nature of these services, the move does not establish binding law. "A clear age barrier is a solid starting point," stated one MEP supporting the measure. The UK: An Evidence-Based Stance For the United Kingdom, the government has kept open a potential ban, emphasizing that "no option is discarded" but maintaining any decision must be "supported by conclusive research". Last year, interest built behind a bill to enact limits on social media use by under-16s, but it was in the end modified. Instead, the administration vowed to investigate the matter. Campaign organizations have voiced apprehensions. One foundation founded by the relatives of a girl who died after encountering harmful platform posts suggests that a blanket age ban might not make platforms safer and could lead to a "sudden drop-off" of exposure when teens turn 16. "Australia's ban is a response to the inability of the social media companies to create platforms and apps that are safe and suitable for children," commented a leading peer. America: A State-by-State Approach Across America, regulation is largely happening at the local level due to country-wide inaction. Utah requires guardian permission for those under 18 to use social media and limits overnight use. Florida has signed a law banning those below 14 from accessing social media, though it faces constitutional disputes. Virginia has approved a regulation limiting minors to one hour of social media access per day, with additional use needing a guardian's okay. The state of Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and Louisiana have similarly introduced bills requiring adult authorization for minors to create social media presences. Despite bipartisan support and proposals from certain politicians to copy Australia's example, a nationwide ban is presently seen as unlikely. Global Perspectives Outside of these regions, further countries are similarly taking action. The Malaysian government intends to restrict social media for those under sixteen effective next year. Brazil has increased the required age for Instagram to 16. But, global agencies strike a more cautious position. A major UN agency has advised that age-based restrictions pose dangers and "may even prove counterproductive". The body points out that the internet can be a "lifeline" for isolated children and that government action should not be a "substitute" for social media firms to prioritize safety. Even as this global debate unfolds, the policies of Australia and several other countries indicate that states around the world are no longer content to delay for the industry to make changes on their own.