🔗 Share this article Could Different Countries Follow Australia's in Prohibiting Social Media for Teenagers Under 16? The Australian controversial move to prohibit social platforms access for individuals under sixteen is sparking debate worldwide. Lawmakers, child protection groups, and parents are watching intently to see if this approach will become a template for countries abroad. Across Europe Momentum In Europe, a increasing number of countries are moving toward comparable bans. The Danish government has stated a prohibition on social media for under-15s, with the prime minister arguing that phones and apps are "robbing our youngsters' childhood". A law could be formalized next year. The Norwegian government is set to enforce a access barrier of 15, pointing to the need to safeguard children from the "manipulative force of the AI". Ireland is working on a online verification tool to verify the identity and age of social media account holders. Officials have stated that an Australia-style ban could be "one of the tools in reserve". In Spain, the leader has asked lawmakers to approve a bill increasing the legal age for accessing social media to 16. In The French government, the head of state has floated the idea of a ban for children below 15, and a legislative committee has recommended a similar move, including an overnight "digital curfew" for adolescents. The government in The Dutch government has advised parents to prevent their kids from social media before 15. At the EU level, the European parliament has approved a non-binding motion supporting a ban for teenagers under 16 without guardian approval is provided. Even though it warns of the "compulsive" quality of these services, the move does not enact enforceable legislation. "A strong age restriction is a solid starting point," stated the MEP behind the measure. Britain: A Watchful Stance Across Britain, the government has remained open to a potential ban, emphasizing that "no option is off the table" but stressing any policy must be "grounded in conclusive evidence". Last year, support built behind a bill to impose controls on social media use by teenagers, but it was ultimately weakened. Instead, the government vowed to further research the issue. Charities have voiced warnings. One foundation set up by the family of a teenager who took her own life after encountering disturbing social media material contends that a simple age ban may not improve online safety and could lead to a "dangerous transition" of harm when teens turn 16. "This ban is a answer to the inability of the tech sector to create tools that are secure and suitable for minors," said a prominent online safety campaigner. The United States: A Fragmented Picture In the United States, action is mostly happening at the local government level amid federal stalemate. Utah requires adult approval for those under 18 to use social media and controls late-night use. Florida has signed a law prohibiting those below 14 from creating accounts on social media, though it is entangled in constitutional disputes. Virginia has passed a rule capping teenagers to one hour of social media time per day, with any further access requiring parental permission. The state of Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and Louisiana have also enacted bills mandating guardian approval for under-16s to set up social media presences. Even with bipartisan support and calls from certain individuals to mimic Australia's example, a federal ban is presently seen as a distant prospect. International Outlook Beyond the West, additional states are likewise taking action. The Malaysian government plans to prohibit social media for those under sixteen beginning next year. Brazil has raised the access age for Instagram to 16. But, global agencies adopt a more measured position. Unicef has advised that blanket prohibitions pose dangers and "may even prove counterproductive". The organization points out that social networks can be a "lifeline" for vulnerable children and that government action should not be a "replacement" for platform operators to prioritize safety. As this international discussion unfolds, the actions of Australia and its followers show that governments around the world are less and less prepared to stand by for platforms to make changes on their own.