🔗 Share this article Could Additional States Follow Australia's in Prohibiting Online Networks for Youth Under Sixteen? The Australian decisive policy to restrict social networking access for individuals under sixteen is creating waves around the globe. Lawmakers, campaigners, and parents are observing closely to see if this approach will set a precedent for other nations. Across Europe Trend Throughout Europe, a growing number of states are considering comparable bans. Denmark has stated a ban on social media for youth below 15, with the prime minister arguing that mobile devices and networks are "stealing our youngsters' childhood". The policy may be formalized soon. Norway is preparing to introduce a age restriction of 15, pointing to the need to protect young people from the "power of the recommendation systems". Ireland is developing a online verification tool to confirm the age and identity of social media account holders. Authorities have stated that an Australian-model ban is "one of the tools under consideration". In Spain, the president has asked parliament to approve a bill lifting the legal age for accessing social media to 16. In The French government, the leader has floated the idea of a ban for children below 15, and a legislative committee has endorsed a related action, potentially involving an overnight "digital curfew" for 15- to 18-year-olds. The authorities in the Netherlands has advised families to block their youngsters from social media before 15. Across the European Union, the European parliament has adopted a non-binding motion calling for a ban for teenagers under 16 unless a parent decides otherwise is provided. Even though it highlights of the "addictive" nature of these platforms, the step does not enact enforceable legislation. "A strong age restriction is a good starting point," commented the parliamentarian supporting the resolution. The UK: A Watchful Approach For the United Kingdom, the administration has kept open a potential ban, emphasizing that "nothing is being dismissed" but stressing any decision must be "based on strong data". Earlier, interest built behind a proposal to impose limits on social media use by under-16s, but it was eventually watered down. Nonetheless, the administration pledged to further research the issue. Advocacy groups have raised apprehensions. One foundation founded by the family of a teenager who died after viewing disturbing online content argues that a strict age ban might not make platforms safer and could result in a "cliff edge" of exposure when users reach the legal age. "Australia's ban is a answer to the inability of the Silicon Valley to design tools that are safe and age appropriate for children," commented a leading peer. The US: A Decentralized Picture In the United States, legislation is mostly happening at the local level amid country-wide inaction. Utah requires adult approval for minors to use social media and limits nighttime use. Florida has enacted a measure barring those below 14 from joining social media, though it is subject to constitutional disputes. Virginia has passed a law capping teenagers to one hour of social media use per day, with any further time needing adult consent. Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and Louisiana have likewise passed measures requiring parental consent for under-16s to open social media profiles. Despite cross-party agreement and proposals from various individuals to mimic Australia's example, a federal ban is currently seen as unlikely. International Perspectives Beyond the West, further states are likewise taking action. Malaysia intends to prohibit social media for under-16s starting from next year. Brazil has lifted the minimum age for Instagram to 16. However, world bodies take a more cautious stance. A major UN agency has advised that blanket prohibitions pose dangers and "could have unintended consequences". The body highlights that online platforms can be a "lifeline" for marginalized children and that bans should not be a "replacement" for social media firms to improve safety. Even as this global debate unfolds, the policies of Australia and others indicate that states globally are less and less prepared to stand by for platforms to act voluntarily.