đź”— Share this article Might Different Countries Follow Australia's in Restricting Social Platforms for Under-16s? Australia's bold action to ban social networking access for individuals under sixteen is sending ripples worldwide. Lawmakers, campaigners, and guardians are watching closely to see if this strategy will become a template for other nations. European Movement Across Europe, a rising group of nations are considering parallel measures. Denmark has announced a ban on social media for youth below 15, with the PM arguing that mobile devices and networks are "taking away our children's youth". A law is expected to be passed in the coming year. Norway is planning to implement a age restriction of 15, citing the need to protect the young from the "influence of the recommendation systems". Ireland is introducing a digital ID system to authenticate the user details of social media users. The media minister have indicated that an Australian-model ban could be "an tools on the table". In The Spanish government, the leader has urged the legislature to enact a proposal increasing the minimum age for accessing social media to 16. In France, the leader has threatened a ban for children below 15, and a legislative committee has recommended a similar step, including an overnight "digital curfew" for 15- to 18-year-olds. The administration in The Netherlands has advised parents to restrict their kids from social media before 15. At the EU level, the EU parliament has passed a non-binding resolution calling for a ban for teenagers under 16 without a parent decides otherwise is provided. Although it cautions of the "compulsive" nature of these services, the resolution does not establish enforceable legislation. "An effective age barrier is a useful first step," said the European lawmaker supporting the initiative. Britain: An Evidence-Based Eye In the UK, the administration has remained open to a future ban, stating that "nothing is off the table" but maintaining any policy must be "based on strong research". Earlier, interest built behind a bill to enact restrictions on social media use by under-16s, but it was ultimately weakened. Instead, the administration vowed to investigate the topic. Campaign organizations have raised concerns. An organization established by the family of a teenager who was lost after encountering dangerous online content suggests that a strict age ban may not protect children and could create a "dangerous transition" of harm when young people reach the legal age. "Australia's ban is a response to the inability of the Silicon Valley to design products and services that are appropriate and suitable for children," stated a influential peer. The US: A Decentralized Approach Stateside, action is largely happening at the local level against a backdrop of country-wide stalemate. The state of Utah demands adult approval for those under 18 to use social media and restricts nighttime use. The state of Florida has passed a bill banning children under fourteen from accessing social media, though it is subject to legal challenges. The state of Virginia has enacted a law limiting teenagers to 60 minutes of social media use per day, with additional use requiring parental permission. Georgia, Tennessee, and The state of Louisiana have similarly passed laws demanding adult authorization for under-16s to open social media profiles. Despite bipartisan support and calls from certain figures to follow Australia's path, a US-wide ban is presently seen as a distant prospect. International Perspectives Outside of these regions, other countries are also considering moves. Malaysia aims to restrict social media for under-16s effective next year. Brazil has increased the minimum age for one major platform to 16. Yet, global bodies strike a more cautious position. A major UN agency has warned that age-based restrictions have downsides and "may even prove counterproductive". The body notes that online platforms can be a "lifeline" for isolated children and that bans should not be a "excuse" for social media firms to prioritize user protection. Even as this international debate evolves, the actions of this nation and several other countries indicate that governments internationally are increasingly content to delay for tech companies to act voluntarily.