đź”— Share this article Could Other Countries Follow Australia's in Prohibiting Social Media for Youth Under Sixteen? The nation's decisive policy to prohibit social platforms access for those under 16 is sparking debate internationally. Politicians, child protection groups, and families are observing closely to see if this tactic will set a precedent for countries abroad. Across Europe Trend Throughout Europe, a growing group of nations are exploring similar measures. The Danish government has announced a restriction on social media for youth below 15, with the prime minister arguing that smartphones and platforms are "taking away our kids' childhood". The policy could be enacted in the coming year. Norway is planning to enforce a age restriction of 15, citing the need to safeguard children from the "manipulative force of the recommendation systems". The Irish government is developing a digital ID system to verify the age and identity of social media participants. The media minister have suggested that an Australia-style ban could be "an measures under consideration". In Spain, the prime minister has urged the legislature to approve a proposal lifting the access age for accessing social media to 16. In France, the head of state has proposed a ban for children below 15, and a legislative committee has endorsed a comparable action, including an overnight "digital curfew" for adolescents. The authorities in The Netherlands has urged parents to restrict their children from social media before 15. At the EU level, the bloc's legislature has adopted a symbolic motion supporting a ban for teenagers under 16 without parental consent is provided. Although it warns of the "compulsive" nature of these apps, the step does not establish mandatory rules. "A strong age barrier is a solid foundation," commented a leading European lawmaker supporting the measure. The UK: A Cautious Approach For the United Kingdom, the administration has remained open to a possible ban, stating that "nothing is discarded" but stressing any action must be "supported by conclusive data". Previously, interest grew behind a proposal to introduce controls on social media use by minors, but it was eventually watered down. However, the government committed to investigate the issue. Advocacy groups have raised concerns. A prominent charity established by the family of a young person who took her own life after viewing dangerous online content argues that a strict age ban might not improve online safety and could create a "sudden drop-off" of exposure when users turn 16. "The Australian ban is a answer to the failure of the tech sector to create platforms and apps that are appropriate and suitable for minors," said a influential child protection advocate. The US: A Fragmented Approach Across America, regulation is largely occurring at the local level due to country-wide inaction. Utah demands adult approval for those under 18 to use social media and limits late-night use. Florida has enacted a law prohibiting children under fourteen from creating accounts on social media, though it is subject to constitutional disputes. Virginia has passed a regulation restricting teenagers to a single hour of social media use per day, with additional use requiring parental permission. Georgia, Tennessee, and The state of Louisiana have likewise passed bills requiring guardian approval for under-16s to set up social media accounts. Even with bipartisan support and suggestions from some figures to copy this lead, a nationwide ban is currently seen as a distant prospect. Worldwide Outlook Beyond the West, additional nations are also considering moves. The Malaysian government aims to ban social media for teenagers starting from next year. Brazil has increased the access age for the platform Instagram to 16. But, global organizations adopt a more measured position. A major UN agency has advised that social media bans pose dangers and "may even prove counterproductive". The agency notes that online platforms can be a "lifeline" for isolated children and that government action should not be a "substitute" for platform operators to improve child safeguards. As this international debate unfolds, the actions of this nation and several other countries demonstrate that policymakers around the world are less and less willing to delay for platforms to self-regulate.