đź”— Share this article Could Other Countries Emulate Australia's Example in Prohibiting Social Media for Under-16s? The nation's bold move to ban social networking access for those under 16 is sparking debate worldwide. Lawmakers, safety advocates, and parents are watching closely to see if this tactic will set a precedent for the rest of the world. The European Momentum Across Europe, a increasing group of nations are moving toward parallel restrictions. The Danish government has stated a prohibition on social media for under-15s, with the PM stating that smartphones and apps are "taking away our kids' childhood". Legislation may be formalized next year. The Norwegian government is set to enforce a minimum age limit of 15, pointing to the need to shield children from the "influence of the recommendation systems". Ireland is introducing a digital wallet to confirm the user details of social media participants. The media minister have suggested that an Australia-style ban remains "an tools on the table". In The Spanish government, the leader has called on the legislature to pass a proposal increasing the minimum age for joining social media to 16. In France, the president has threatened a ban for those under fifteen, and a government panel has recommended a related action, including an overnight "internet blackout" for 15- to 18-year-olds. The administration in The Netherlands has advised guardians to block their children from social media before 15. At the EU level, the European parliament has adopted a advisory motion calling for a ban for under-16s except if a parent decides otherwise is provided. Although it highlights of the "addictive" quality of these apps, the resolution does not establish binding law. "A strong age restriction is a good starting point," commented one MEP supporting the resolution. The United Kingdom: An Evidence-Based Eye In the UK, the government has not ruled out a potential ban, emphasizing that "no measure is off the table" but maintaining any policy must be "grounded in robust data". Last year, interest grew behind a legislative effort to impose limits on social media use by minors, but it was in the end weakened. Nonetheless, the administration pledged to further research the topic. Charities have expressed warnings. An organization founded by the loved ones of a young person who was lost after viewing harmful social media material argues that a strict age ban may not protect children and could create a "sudden drop-off" of harm when users reach the legal age. "This ban is a response to the inability of the Silicon Valley to design tools that are secure and fit for young users," commented a leading peer. America: A Fragmented Landscape Stateside, legislation is primarily occurring at the regional level against a backdrop of national gridlock. Utah mandates parental consent for those under 18 to use social media and restricts overnight use. Florida has passed a measure banning under-14s from accessing social media, though it is subject to court battles. Virginia has enacted a regulation capping under-16s to one hour of social media access per day, with any further use dependent on adult consent. Georgia, The state of Tennessee, and Louisiana have similarly passed measures requiring guardian approval for minors to open social media profiles. Despite bipartisan support and proposals from certain individuals to follow Australia's path, a nationwide ban is right now seen as improbable. Global Views Beyond Europe and the US, other nations are also exploring options. The Malaysian government aims to ban social media for teenagers starting from next year. Brazil has lifted the minimum age for one major platform to 16. Yet, global bodies strike a more measured stance. The UN children's agency has cautioned that age-based restrictions carry risks and "may even prove counterproductive". The body highlights that online platforms can be a "lifeline" for isolated young people and that regulation should not be a "substitute" for social media firms to prioritize child safeguards. While this international discussion unfolds, the actions of Australia and several other countries indicate that states around the world are no longer willing to stand by for the industry to self-regulate.