đź”— Share this article Could Other States Emulate Australia's in Prohibiting Social Media for Under-16s? The nation's bold move to restrict social networking access for young people below 16 is sending ripples internationally. Politicians, campaigners, and guardians are watching intently to see if this strategy will inspire imitation for other nations. The European Momentum In Europe, a growing chorus of countries are exploring comparable measures. Denmark has stated a restriction on social media for children under fifteen, with the prime minister declaring that mobile devices and networks are "taking away our kids' childhood". The policy could be formalized soon. The Norwegian government is planning to enforce a access barrier of 15, highlighting the need to shield children from the "manipulative force of the recommendation systems". Ireland is developing a digital ID system to verify the identity and age of social media users. Authorities have stated that an similar ban is "an tools under consideration". In The Spanish government, the president has urged lawmakers to approve a bill increasing the access age for joining social media to 16. In France, the head of state has proposed a ban for under-15s, and a legislative committee has endorsed a similar step, potentially involving an overnight "internet blackout" for older teenagers. The government in The Netherlands has urged families to block their youngsters from social media until 15. For the broader EU, the European parliament has adopted a symbolic statement supporting a ban for under-16s unless a parent decides otherwise is granted. Although it highlights of the "compulsive" nature of these apps, the resolution does not create mandatory rules. "An effective age restriction is a solid first step," said the MEP driving the measure. The UK: An Evidence-Based Approach In the UK, the administration has not ruled out a future ban, emphasizing that "no option is discarded" but stressing any policy must be "based on robust research". Earlier, interest gathered behind a bill to enact limits on social media use by under-16s, but it was in the end watered down. Nonetheless, the government pledged to conduct more studies the issue. Advocacy groups have expressed apprehensions. One foundation set up by the relatives of a young person who took her own life after being exposed to dangerous online content argues that a blanket age ban might not improve online safety and could create a "sudden drop-off" of harm when users reach the legal age. "Australia's ban is a response to the refusal of the social media companies to build tools that are safe and age appropriate for children," stated a leading peer. The US: A Fragmented Picture Across America, legislation is mostly occurring at the local government level amid federal stalemate. The state of Utah requires guardian permission for those under 18 to use social media and restricts nighttime use. Florida has signed a bill prohibiting under-14s from creating accounts on social media, though it is subject to legal challenges. The state of Virginia has approved a regulation capping under-16s to a single hour of social media access per day, with extra access dependent on adult consent. The state of Georgia, Tennessee, and The state of Louisiana have likewise introduced measures requiring adult authorization for teenagers to set up social media profiles. Even with widespread concern and calls from various figures to mimic this example, a nationwide ban is presently seen as unlikely. International Outlook Beyond Europe and the US, additional states are similarly considering moves. The Malaysian government aims to restrict social media for teenagers effective next year. The Brazilian authorities has raised the minimum age for one major platform to 16. But, world agencies take a more cautious tone. The UN children's agency has advised that blanket prohibitions pose dangers and "might have unintended consequences". The organization notes that the internet can be a "lifeline" for isolated young people and that government action should not be a "excuse" for tech companies to prioritize user protection. As this international discussion evolves, the steps of this nation and several other countries demonstrate that policymakers globally are no longer content to stand by for tech companies to act voluntarily.