🔗 Share this article Might Other Countries Emulate Australia's Example in Restricting Social Media for Youth Under Sixteen? The nation's bold policy to prohibit social media access for those under 16 is creating waves worldwide. Lawmakers, child protection groups, and parents are monitoring closely to see if this strategy will set a precedent for other nations. Across Europe Momentum In Europe, a rising group of countries are considering comparable restrictions. Denmark has stated a ban on social media for children under fifteen, with the prime minister declaring that phones and apps are "robbing our kids' innocence". The policy could be formalized in the coming year. Norway is planning to introduce a access barrier of 15, highlighting the need to safeguard young people from the "manipulative force of the algorithms". Ireland is working on a online verification tool to confirm the identity and age of social media account holders. The media minister have suggested that an Australian-model ban remains "one of the measures under consideration". In Spain, the president has urged lawmakers to pass a law lifting the access age for using social media to 16. In France, the leader has floated the idea of a ban for those under fifteen, and a legislative committee has recommended a similar action, potentially involving an overnight "internet blackout" for older teenagers. The authorities in the Netherlands has advised parents to block their children from social media up to the age of 15. Across the European Union, the European parliament has approved a symbolic resolution demanding a ban for teenagers under 16 except if parental consent is given. Even though it cautions of the "habit-forming" nature of these services, the resolution does not create mandatory rules. "A strong age restriction is a useful starting point," commented a leading MEP driving the initiative. Britain: A Watchful Eye In the UK, the government has kept open a possible ban, stating that "nothing is off the table" but maintaining any decision must be "grounded in strong evidence". Previously, momentum gathered behind a legislative effort to introduce restrictions on social media use by teenagers, but it was ultimately weakened. Nonetheless, the government vowed to further research the topic. Advocacy groups have expressed concerns. An organization founded by the family of a teenager who died after being exposed to dangerous platform posts suggests that a simple age ban could fail to improve online safety and could create a "cliff edge" of exposure when users reach the legal age. "This ban is a reaction to the failure of the tech sector to create platforms and apps that are secure and fit for minors," stated a leading child protection advocate. The US: A State-by-State Picture In the United States, action is primarily occurring at the state level against a backdrop of country-wide stalemate. The state of Utah requires parental consent for minors to use social media and limits nighttime use. Florida has passed a bill barring children under fourteen 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 time per day, with additional time needing adult consent. Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and Louisiana have similarly passed bills demanding guardian approval for minors to set up social media profiles. Even with bipartisan support and calls from some figures to copy this example, a federal ban is currently seen as unlikely. International Views Beyond Europe and the US, additional countries are likewise taking action. The Malaysian government intends to ban social media for under-16s starting from next year. Brazil has raised the access age for Instagram to 16. However, world agencies adopt a more measured tone. The UN children's agency has warned that blanket prohibitions carry risks and "may even have unintended consequences". The organization notes that online platforms can be a "critical link" for vulnerable young people and that government action should not be a "replacement" for social media firms to invest in safety. Even as this worldwide conversation unfolds, the actions of the Australian government and others show that policymakers internationally are no longer prepared to delay for tech companies to act voluntarily.