🔗 Share this article Will Additional Countries Pursue Australia's Example in Prohibiting Online Networks for Under-16s? The nation's controversial action to ban social networking access for individuals under sixteen is sparking debate worldwide. Politicians, child protection groups, and parents are observing with great interest to see if this approach will become a template for the rest of the world. The European Momentum In Europe, a rising number of nations are considering similar measures. The Danish government has announced a ban on social media for youth below 15, with the leader declaring that mobile devices and platforms are "robbing our youngsters' innocence". A law may be enacted next year. Norway is set to enforce a minimum age limit of 15, highlighting the need to protect children from the "power of the AI". Ireland is introducing a digital ID system to verify the age and identity of social media account holders. The media minister have suggested that an Australia-style ban remains "an options under consideration". In Spain, the prime minister has urged parliament to enact a law increasing the minimum age for accessing social media to 16. In The French government, the president has floated the idea of a ban for under-15s, and a legislative committee has recommended a similar move, including an overnight "screen time restriction" for 15- to 18-year-olds. The administration in The Netherlands has urged guardians to prevent their children from social media until 15. At the EU level, the European parliament has approved a symbolic motion supporting a ban for under-16s except if a parent decides otherwise is granted. While it warns of the "addictive" design of these apps, the move does not establish binding law. "An effective age barrier is a useful first step," said a leading European lawmaker supporting the resolution. Britain: A Watchful Stance For the United Kingdom, the government has not ruled out a future ban, emphasizing that "no measure is off the table" but maintaining any action must be "supported by conclusive data". Last year, interest built behind a legislative effort to introduce restrictions on social media use by under-16s, but it was eventually weakened. Instead, the administration committed to investigate the issue. Advocacy groups have expressed warnings. An organization set up by the relatives of a girl who was lost after encountering disturbing social media material contends that a simple age ban may not improve online safety and could result in a "dangerous transition" of exposure when young people turn 16. "This ban is a response to the inability of the tech sector to design tools that are secure and fit for young users," commented a influential online safety campaigner. America: A Decentralized Picture Across America, action is primarily happening at the state government level amid national stalemate. The state of Utah demands adult approval for those under 18 to use social media and limits nighttime use. The state of Florida has enacted a law prohibiting under-14s from joining social media, though it faces legal challenges. Virginia has enacted a law restricting under-16s to a single hour of social media access per day, with extra time dependent on a guardian's okay. Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and Louisiana have similarly passed measures demanding adult authorization for minors to create social media accounts. Even with cross-party agreement and proposals from certain individuals to copy the Australian example, a US-wide ban is presently seen as improbable. Global Views Beyond Europe and the US, additional states are similarly taking action. Malaysia plans to restrict social media for those under sixteen beginning next year. Brazil has raised the required age for Instagram to 16. Yet, world bodies adopt a more cautious stance. Unicef has warned that blanket prohibitions pose dangers and "could backfire". The organization points out that the internet can be a "critical link" for isolated youth and that regulation should not be a "excuse" for social media firms to improve child safeguards. Even as this worldwide debate continues, the policies of Australia and others indicate that states internationally are no longer willing to wait for the industry to act voluntarily.