🔗 Share this article Might Other States Pursue Australia's in Restricting Online Networks for Under-16s? The nation's controversial action to prohibit social media access for individuals under sixteen is sparking debate around the globe. Lawmakers, child protection groups, and families are watching closely to see if this approach will inspire imitation for countries abroad. European Momentum Across Europe, a increasing chorus of nations are moving toward similar restrictions. Denmark has stated a restriction on social media for children under fifteen, with the prime minister stating that phones and apps are "stealing our children's youth". A law could be passed soon. Norway is preparing to implement a access barrier of 15, pointing to the need to safeguard young people from the "influence of the algorithms". Ireland is working on a digital wallet to confirm the age and identity of social media account holders. The media minister have suggested that an Australian-model ban remains "one of the measures in reserve". In The Spanish government, the prime minister has called on lawmakers to pass a law lifting the access age for using social media to 16. In The French government, the head of state has proposed a ban for under-15s, and a government panel has endorsed a similar move, including an overnight "internet blackout" for older teenagers. The authorities in the Netherlands has recommended families to prevent their kids from social media until 15. At the EU level, the bloc's legislature has approved a non-binding resolution calling for a ban for under-16s unless parental consent is granted. Although it highlights of the "addictive" nature of these platforms, the step does not create enforceable legislation. "A clear age limit is a useful first step," said one parliamentarian driving the measure. The United Kingdom: An Evidence-Based Eye In the UK, the administration has kept open a possible ban, stating that "nothing is off the table" but maintaining any decision must be "based on conclusive evidence". Last year, support grew behind a proposal to introduce limits on social media use by under-16s, but it was ultimately watered down. However, the administration pledged to investigate the issue. Charities have voiced apprehensions. An organization set up by the loved ones of a teenager who was lost after being exposed to harmful social media material argues that a simple age ban might not improve online safety and could lead to a "cliff edge" of risk when young people become eligible. "Australia's ban is a reaction to the failure of the Silicon Valley to build platforms and apps that are safe and suitable for young users," commented a influential online safety campaigner. The US: A State-by-State Approach Across America, legislation is largely occurring at the state government level against a backdrop of national stalemate. The state of Utah requires parental consent for minors to use social media and limits nighttime use. Florida has passed a measure barring those below 14 from joining social media, though it is subject to constitutional disputes. Virginia has passed a law restricting minors to a single hour of social media access per day, with additional time dependent on adult consent. The state of Georgia, Tennessee, and The state of Louisiana have similarly introduced measures demanding guardian approval for under-16s to open social media accounts. Despite cross-party agreement and proposals from some individuals to copy Australia's lead, a US-wide ban is right now seen as unlikely. International Perspectives Outside of the West, further nations are also exploring options. Malaysia intends to ban social media for under-16s effective next year. Brazil has raised the minimum age for Instagram to 16. Yet, world agencies take a more measured position. Unicef has advised that social media bans have downsides and "could prove counterproductive". The body notes that social networks can be a "critical link" for marginalized young people and that government action should not be a "excuse" for platform operators to invest in safety. Even as this international debate evolves, the actions of the Australian government and several other countries show that governments internationally are no longer prepared to delay for the industry to make changes on their own.