🔗 Share this article Could Additional Countries Follow Australia's Lead in Prohibiting Online Networks for Under-16s? Australia's controversial policy to ban social networking access for those under 16 is sending ripples internationally. Officials, safety advocates, and guardians are watching with great interest to see if this strategy will become a template for the rest of the world. European Momentum Throughout Europe, a growing chorus of countries are exploring parallel restrictions. Denmark plans a ban on social media for children under fifteen, with the leader arguing that phones and networks are "robbing our youngsters' youth". A law may be enacted soon. The Norwegian government is planning to enforce a age restriction of 15, citing the need to shield the young from the "power of the AI". Ireland is developing a online verification tool to authenticate the age and identity of social media users. Officials have suggested that an Australian-model ban could be "an options in reserve". In The Spanish government, the prime minister has called on parliament to pass a law increasing the legal age for joining social media to 16. In France, the president has floated the idea of a ban for children below 15, and a parliamentary commission has endorsed a similar move, alongside an overnight "internet blackout" for adolescents. The authorities in The Netherlands has advised families to restrict their kids from social media until 15. For the broader EU, the bloc's legislature has adopted a advisory resolution supporting a ban for minors unless guardian approval is provided. Although it cautions of the "addictive" quality of these apps, the move does not enact binding law. "A strong age restriction is a useful first step," stated the parliamentarian driving the resolution. The United Kingdom: A Cautious Stance In the UK, the leadership has not ruled out a potential ban, emphasizing that "no option is being dismissed" but insisting any action must be "grounded in robust evidence". Last year, momentum grew behind a legislative effort to enact controls on social media use by minors, but it was eventually modified. However, the government committed to investigate the topic. Charities have expressed apprehensions. A prominent charity set up by the family of a teenager who took her own life after being exposed to disturbing online content contends that a blanket age ban may not protect children and could create a "sudden drop-off" of harm when young people reach the legal age. "The Australian ban is a response to the failure of the Silicon Valley to design platforms and apps that are safe and fit for minors," stated a influential child protection advocate. America: A State-by-State Picture Across America, regulation is primarily unfolding at the local government level due to country-wide gridlock. Utah demands parental consent for minors to use social media and controls overnight use. Florida has enacted a bill banning under-14s from creating accounts on social media, though it is subject to court battles. Virginia has enacted a law capping minors to a single hour of social media time per day, with extra time dependent on parental permission. Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and Louisiana have likewise introduced laws requiring guardian approval for under-16s to set up social media presences. Despite widespread concern and suggestions from some figures to mimic Australia's example, a federal ban is presently seen as improbable. Global Perspectives Outside of these regions, additional countries are similarly considering moves. The Malaysian government intends to restrict social media for teenagers starting from next year. The Brazilian authorities has increased the access age for the platform Instagram to 16. However, global bodies take a more cautious stance. A major UN agency has advised that blanket prohibitions have downsides and "could prove counterproductive". The agency notes that social networks can be a "critical link" for vulnerable young people and that government action should not be a "substitute" for tech companies to prioritize user protection. Even as this international debate unfolds, the actions of the Australian government and several other countries demonstrate that policymakers internationally are less and less prepared to delay for the industry to act voluntarily.