đź”— Share this article Might Other Nations Emulate Australia's in Banning Online Networks for Under-16s? The nation's decisive policy to restrict social platforms access for young people below 16 is creating waves around the globe. Officials, child protection groups, and families are monitoring closely to see if this tactic will set a precedent for other nations. European Momentum Throughout Europe, a growing chorus of countries are considering similar bans. Denmark has stated a prohibition on social media for youth below 15, with the leader declaring that smartphones and platforms are "stealing our kids' innocence". The policy could be enacted next year. Norway is preparing to implement a age restriction of 15, pointing to the need to protect young people from the "influence of the recommendation systems". The Irish government is developing a digital ID system to authenticate the identity and age of social media account holders. Officials have stated that an Australia-style ban is "one of the tools on the table". In Spain, the prime minister has urged parliament to enact a proposal raising the legal age for using social media to 16. In France, the president has threatened a ban for those under fifteen, and a government panel has recommended a comparable step, potentially involving an overnight "screen time restriction" for older teenagers. The authorities in The Netherlands has advised parents to prevent their youngsters from social media up to the age of 15. At the EU level, the European parliament has adopted a advisory statement calling for a ban for minors unless a parent decides otherwise is provided. Although it highlights of the "habit-forming" nature of these platforms, the move does not establish binding law. "A strong age barrier is a solid first step," stated one parliamentarian driving the measure. The United Kingdom: A Cautious Eye In the UK, the leadership has not ruled out a potential ban, arguing that "nothing is discarded" but stressing any action must be "based on conclusive evidence". Previously, support grew behind a legislative effort to enact restrictions on social media use by minors, but it was in the end watered down. However, the government committed to further research the topic. Advocacy groups have voiced warnings. An organization founded by the family of a girl who was lost after being exposed to harmful platform posts contends that a strict age ban might not make platforms safer and could result in a "cliff edge" of harm when teens reach the legal age. "This ban is a answer to the failure of the tech sector to design platforms and apps that are appropriate and age appropriate for young users," said a prominent peer. The United States: A State-by-State Approach Across America, legislation is largely happening at the local government level amid federal inaction. Utah demands adult approval for minors to use social media and restricts late-night use. Florida has passed a bill barring children under fourteen from accessing social media, though it is entangled in court battles. Virginia has enacted a rule capping minors to a single hour of social media time per day, with extra use requiring adult consent. The state of Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have likewise passed measures requiring adult authorization for teenagers to create social media accounts. Even with widespread concern and proposals from certain figures to follow this example, a nationwide ban is presently seen as unlikely. International Views Outside of Europe and the US, further nations are similarly considering moves. Malaysia plans to restrict social media for under-16s effective next year. The Brazilian authorities has increased the required age for Instagram to 16. Yet, global bodies take a more measured tone. A major UN agency has cautioned that blanket prohibitions have downsides and "might backfire". The body highlights that the internet can be a "lifeline" for marginalized youth and that bans should not be a "excuse" for social media firms to improve safety. Even as this global discussion unfolds, the steps of the Australian government and others show that states internationally are increasingly willing to stand by for the industry to self-regulate.