🔗 Share this article Will Other States Emulate Australia's Example in Prohibiting Social Media for Youth Under Sixteen? The nation's decisive action to prohibit social platforms access for those under 16 is creating waves worldwide. Officials, child protection groups, and parents are observing closely to see if this approach will become a template for other nations. The European Momentum In Europe, a rising group of countries are considering similar bans. The Danish government has stated a ban on social media for under-15s, with the PM declaring that phones and platforms are "stealing our youngsters' youth". A law could be passed soon. The Norwegian government is preparing to implement a access barrier of 15, citing the need to protect young people from the "manipulative force of the AI". The Irish government is introducing a digital wallet to authenticate the identity and age of social media users. The media minister have suggested that an similar ban remains "one of the tools on the table". In Spain, the prime minister has urged the legislature to enact a law lifting the minimum age for using social media to 16. In France, the leader has floated the idea of a ban for those under fifteen, and a parliamentary commission has suggested a comparable move, including an overnight "internet blackout" for older teenagers. The administration in The Netherlands has recommended guardians to prevent their children from social media until 15. For the broader EU, the European parliament has adopted a symbolic statement supporting a ban for teenagers under 16 without guardian approval is provided. While it highlights of the "compulsive" design of these platforms, the step does not create enforceable legislation. "A strong age limit is a useful first step," stated one MEP behind the measure. The United Kingdom: A Cautious Eye In the UK, the leadership has not ruled out a potential ban, arguing that "no option is being dismissed" but insisting any decision must be "supported by conclusive data". Previously, support gathered behind a bill to enact limits on social media use by under-16s, but it was eventually modified. However, the government pledged to conduct more studies the topic. Advocacy groups have raised warnings. One foundation set up by the family of a teenager who died after being exposed to harmful online content argues that a strict age ban may not make platforms safer and could create a "sudden drop-off" of harm when young people become eligible. "This ban is a answer to the refusal of the Silicon Valley to build tools that are secure and fit for minors," stated a prominent child protection advocate. The US: A Fragmented Picture Stateside, legislation is mostly unfolding at the local government level against a backdrop of federal stalemate. Utah demands guardian permission for minors to use social media and limits overnight use. The state of Florida has enacted a bill prohibiting under-14s from creating accounts on social media, though it is subject to court battles. The state of Virginia has approved a law limiting under-16s to one hour of social media access per day, with extra use needing a guardian's okay. Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and Louisiana have likewise passed measures mandating adult authorization for teenagers to set up social media accounts. Despite bipartisan support and calls from certain politicians to copy the Australian example, a US-wide ban is presently seen as a distant prospect. International Views Beyond these regions, additional nations are similarly taking action. The Malaysian government intends to restrict social media for teenagers starting from next year. Brazil has increased the access age for Instagram to 16. But, global bodies adopt a more cautious position. Unicef has cautioned that social media bans carry risks and "could prove counterproductive". The body notes that online platforms can be a "lifeline" for vulnerable young people and that bans should not be a "substitute" for social media firms to prioritize safety. Even as this global debate unfolds, the actions of Australia and others indicate that states globally are less and less prepared to delay for the industry to act voluntarily.