đź”— Share this article Might Additional Countries Emulate Australia's in Banning Social Media for Youth Under Sixteen? Australia's controversial action to restrict social platforms access for those under 16 is sending ripples worldwide. Politicians, safety advocates, and families are watching with great interest to see if this approach will set a precedent for other nations. European Momentum Throughout Europe, a increasing chorus of nations are considering parallel measures. The Danish government plans a prohibition on social media for children under fifteen, with the PM stating that smartphones and platforms are "taking away our youngsters' youth". The policy could be passed next year. Norway is planning to enforce a age restriction of 15, pointing to the need to safeguard the young from the "manipulative force of the algorithms". Ireland is developing a digital ID system to authenticate the age and identity of social media account holders. Authorities have stated that an Australian-model ban could be "a potential options in reserve". In Spain, the president has urged lawmakers to approve a proposal increasing the legal age for joining social media to 16. In France, the leader has proposed a ban for those under fifteen, and a legislative committee has recommended a related step, including an overnight "internet blackout" for adolescents. The authorities in The Dutch government has recommended guardians to prevent their youngsters from social media until 15. At the EU level, the bloc's legislature has approved a non-binding resolution supporting a ban for minors without a parent decides otherwise is provided. Although it highlights of the "compulsive" nature of these services, the resolution does not establish binding law. "An effective age limit is a useful first step," commented one MEP behind the measure. Britain: A Cautious Eye In the UK, the administration has kept open a potential ban, emphasizing that "no measure is discarded" but insisting any policy must be "based on conclusive data". Last year, support gathered behind a bill to enact restrictions on social media use by under-16s, but it was ultimately weakened. Nonetheless, the government committed to investigate the issue. Campaign organizations have voiced apprehensions. One foundation set up by the loved ones of a young person who took her own life after encountering harmful online content suggests that a simple age ban could fail to make platforms safer and could lead to a "sudden drop-off" of risk when users turn 16. "This ban is a response to the failure of the tech sector to create platforms and apps that are secure and suitable for minors," commented a influential peer. The US: A State-by-State Approach Stateside, action is largely occurring at the regional government level amid national gridlock. The state of Utah mandates parental consent for under-18s to use social media and limits overnight use. Florida has passed a bill prohibiting under-14s from accessing social media, though it faces legal challenges. The state of Virginia has enacted a rule restricting minors to a single hour of social media use per day, with additional access dependent on parental permission. Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have likewise passed laws demanding guardian approval for minors to create social media profiles. Even with bipartisan support and suggestions from certain politicians to copy Australia's lead, a nationwide ban is currently seen as improbable. International Views Outside of these regions, additional states are likewise exploring options. Malaysia intends to restrict social media for teenagers effective next year. The Brazilian authorities has raised the access age for one major platform to 16. However, global bodies adopt a more cautious position. A major UN agency has advised that social media bans carry risks and "could prove counterproductive". The body highlights that social networks can be a "critical link" for marginalized children and that government action should not be a "excuse" for platform operators to improve user protection. While this worldwide debate evolves, the steps of the Australian government and its followers demonstrate that states around the world are less and less prepared to wait for tech companies to make changes on their own.