🔗 Share this article Might Other States Pursue Australia's in Prohibiting Social Media for Youth Under Sixteen? The nation's decisive action to prohibit social platforms access for individuals under sixteen is creating waves around the globe. Politicians, campaigners, and parents are observing with great interest to see if this tactic will set a precedent for the rest of the world. Across Europe Momentum Throughout Europe, a rising group of nations are exploring similar restrictions. The Danish government plans a prohibition on social media for children under fifteen, with the prime minister arguing that phones and platforms are "stealing our youngsters' youth". Legislation may be formalized next year. The Norwegian government is preparing to introduce a minimum age limit of 15, highlighting the need to shield the young from the "power of the recommendation systems". Ireland is working on a online verification tool to authenticate the identity and age of social media participants. Authorities have stated that an similar ban remains "a potential tools under consideration". In The Spanish government, the leader has urged parliament to approve a law increasing the minimum age for accessing social media to 16. In The French government, the president has threatened a ban for those under fifteen, and a legislative committee has suggested a related step, potentially involving an overnight "screen time restriction" for adolescents. The government in The Dutch government has advised guardians to block their youngsters from social media before 15. For the broader EU, the bloc's legislature has passed a non-binding resolution calling for a ban for teenagers under 16 without a parent decides otherwise is given. Although it cautions of the "addictive" design of these services, the move does not enact mandatory rules. "A strong age barrier is a solid first step," commented a leading parliamentarian driving the resolution. The United Kingdom: An Evidence-Based Eye In the UK, the government has kept open a potential ban, stating that "no option is off the table" but maintaining any policy must be "grounded in robust data". Previously, momentum built behind a legislative effort to impose limits on social media use by under-16s, but it was in the end modified. Nonetheless, the administration vowed to further research the matter. Charities have raised apprehensions. One foundation set up by the loved ones of a young person who died after encountering disturbing social media material contends that a simple age ban may not improve online safety and could create a "cliff edge" of harm when young people turn 16. "This ban is a response to the failure of the Silicon Valley to design tools that are appropriate and fit for minors," stated a influential child protection advocate. America: A Decentralized Picture Across America, regulation is largely unfolding at the state government level against a backdrop of national gridlock. The state of Utah requires parental consent for those under 18 to use social media and restricts nighttime use. Florida has enacted a bill banning under-14s from joining social media, though it is entangled in court battles. Virginia has approved a rule restricting under-16s to 60 minutes of social media access per day, with additional use requiring a guardian's okay. Georgia, Tennessee, and Louisiana have also enacted bills demanding parental consent for under-16s to create social media presences. Despite bipartisan support and proposals from various politicians to copy the Australian example, a federal ban is presently seen as unlikely. Global Views Outside of these regions, other states are also taking action. Malaysia plans to ban social media for those under sixteen effective next year. Brazil has lifted the minimum age for the platform Instagram to 16. But, global organizations adopt a more nuanced tone. The UN children's agency has warned that age-based restrictions have downsides and "might have unintended consequences". The organization points out that the internet can be a "lifeline" for marginalized children and that regulation should not be a "excuse" for social media firms to invest in safety. As this global debate evolves, the steps of Australia and others show that policymakers globally are increasingly content to wait for tech companies to self-regulate.