đź”— Share this article Will Different States Follow Australia's Lead in Restricting Social Platforms for Youth Under Sixteen? Australia's decisive action to prohibit social networking access for those under 16 is sending ripples internationally. Officials, campaigners, and parents are monitoring closely to see if this tactic will become a template for other nations. Across Europe Trend Throughout Europe, a rising number of nations are considering comparable measures. The Danish government has announced a ban on social media for youth below 15, with the PM arguing that smartphones and apps are "taking away our kids' innocence". Legislation may be passed soon. The Norwegian government is set to implement a minimum age limit of 15, highlighting the need to shield children from the "manipulative force of the algorithms". Ireland is introducing a digital ID system to authenticate the user details of social media account holders. The media minister have suggested that an Australian-model ban is "an options under consideration". In The Spanish government, the president has called on lawmakers to approve a proposal lifting the minimum age for joining social media to 16. In The French government, the president has floated the idea of a ban for children below 15, and a parliamentary commission has suggested a comparable action, potentially involving an overnight "internet blackout" for older teenagers. The government in The Dutch government has recommended parents to block their youngsters from social media up to the age of 15. At the EU level, the European parliament has approved a non-binding resolution demanding a ban for under-16s unless parental consent is provided. While it cautions of the "compulsive" nature of these services, the step does not enact mandatory rules. "An effective age restriction is a good foundation," said a leading MEP driving the resolution. The UK: A Watchful Stance In the UK, the government has remained open to a possible ban, arguing that "nothing is discarded" but insisting any decision must be "grounded in strong data". Last year, interest built behind a legislative effort to impose restrictions on social media use by teenagers, but it was in the end modified. Instead, the government committed to conduct more studies the matter. Advocacy groups have expressed concerns. An organization founded by the loved ones of a girl who was lost after being exposed to disturbing platform posts argues that a blanket age ban may not make platforms safer and could create a "cliff edge" of risk when users become eligible. "Australia's ban is a response to the inability of the social media companies to design tools that are appropriate and fit for young users," said a influential child protection advocate. The United States: A State-by-State Landscape Across America, action is primarily happening at the local level due to federal inaction. Utah requires adult approval for minors to use social media and controls late-night use. The state of Florida has passed a law banning those below 14 from accessing social media, though it is subject to constitutional disputes. The state of Virginia has approved a regulation limiting teenagers to one hour of social media access per day, with any further access needing parental permission. The state of Georgia, Tennessee, and The state of Louisiana have similarly introduced measures requiring parental consent for under-16s to open social media profiles. Despite widespread concern and suggestions from certain individuals to follow Australia's lead, a US-wide ban is currently seen as improbable. International Views Outside of the West, other countries are also considering moves. The Malaysian government intends to ban social media for under-16s effective next year. Brazil has raised the required age for one major platform to 16. Yet, world bodies strike a more nuanced tone. A major UN agency has cautioned that social media bans carry risks and "could backfire". The organization notes that social networks can be a "critical link" for vulnerable youth and that bans should not be a "replacement" for platform operators to invest in child safeguards. Even as this international discussion evolves, the steps of Australia and others indicate that states around the world are increasingly content to delay for the industry to self-regulate.