Michael B. Jordan celebrated a landmark weekend, even if his football club couldn’t quite follow suit on the pitch. The Hollywood star and co-owner of AFC Bournemouth won the Academy Award for Best Actor on Sunday for his performance as twin brothers Smoke and Stack in the vampire drama Sinners
In an inter-ministerial briefing, the Ministry of Petroleum and Natural Gas's Joint Secretary, Marketing and Oil Refinery, Sujata Sharma, said that fuel pumps supplying CNG and household PNG connections are operating normally. New Delhi: The supply of piped natural gas (PNG) and compressed natural
Jannik Sinner produced a masterclass to defeat Daniil Medvedev 7-6 (6), 7-6 (4) and capture his first title of the season at the Indian Wells Masters, while also carving his name into the record books. The victory not only delivered the 25th tour-level title of Sinner’s career
Liverpool have been here far too often this season. Another late, late goal costing them points. This time to Richarlison in a 1-1 draw against struggling Tottenham that cost them a chance to go fourth in the table. And don't the players - who were booed off by their fans at full-time - know it
IIT grad who moved from Bengaluru to Ireland reveals ₹1.3 crore salary: 'My quality of life has improved'A 27-year-old Amazon techie who moved from Bengaluru to Dublin says his quality of life has improved despite the city’s high cost of living. Updated on: Mar 16
The Oscars are usually packed with glamorous red carpet looks and emotional award wins but sometimes it’s the tiny, unexpected moments that steal the internet’s attention. At the 98th Academy Awards, a brief interaction between Kylie Jenner and Pauline Chalamet, the sister of Timothée Chalamet
Abu Mathen George, Deputy Chief of Mission in the Indian Embassy in Riyadh, along with First Secretary Vipul Bawa, held a virtual interaction with Principals of CBSE-affiliated schools across Saudi Arabia. They addressed queries regarding the CBSE board examinations and briefed them on the current
West Bengal's polls are scheduled for 23rd and 29th April 2026 in two phases, with results on May 4, pitting the BJP against the ruling Trinamool Congress in a high-stakes battle. The Bhartiya Janata Party has announced the first list of 144 candidates for the West Bengal legislative assembly
Australia’s social media ban for underage teens, children kicks in. Will other countries follow?
After months of anticipation and debate, Australia's social media ban is now in force.
Young Australians under 16 must now come to grips with the new reality of being unable to have an account on some social media platforms, including Instagram, TikTok and Facebook.
Only time will tell whether this bold, world-first experiment will succeed. Despite this, many countries are already considering following Australia's lead.
But there are other jurisdictions that are taking a different approach to try and keep young people safe online.
Here's what's happening overseas.
In November, the European parliament called for a similar social media ban for under 16s.
The President of the European Commission, Ursula von der Leyen, said she has been studying Australia's restrictions and how they address what she described as “algorithms that prey on children's vulnerabilities”, leaving parents feeling powerless against “the tsunami of big tech flooding their homes”.
In October, New Zealand announced it would introduce similar legislation to Australia's, following the work of a parliamentary committee to examine how best to address harm on social media platforms. The committee's report will be released in early 2026.
Pakistan and India are aiming to reduce children's exposure to harmful content by introducing rules requiring parental consent and age verification for platform access, alongside content moderation expectations for tech companies.
Malaysia has announced it will ban children under 16 from social media starting in 2026. This follows the country requiring social media and messaging platforms with eight million or more users to obtain licenses to operate, and use age verification and content-safety measures from January 2025.
France is also considering a social media ban for children under 15 and a 10pm to 8am curfew for platform use for 15- to 18-year-olds. These are among 43 recommendations made by a French inquiry in September 2025, which also recommended banning smartphones in schools, and implementing a crime of “digital negligence for parents who fail to protect their children”.
While France introduced a requirement in 2023 that platforms obtain parental consent for children under 15 to create social media accounts, it has yet to be enforced. This is also the case in Germany. There, children aged between 13 and 16 can only access platforms with parental consent, but without formal checks in place.
And, in Spain, the minimum age for social media accounts will rise from 14 to 16, unless parents provide consent.
Norway announced plans in July to restrict access to social media for under 15s. The government explained the law would be “designed in accordance with children's fundamental rights, including freedom of expression, access to information, and the right to association”.
In November, Denmark announced it would “ban access to social media for anyone under 15”. However, unlike Australia's legislation, parents can override the rules to enable 13- and 14-year-olds to retain platform access. Yet there is no date for implementation, with lawmakers expected to take months to pass the legislation.
It's also unclear how Denmark's ban will be enforced. But the country does have a national digital ID program that may be used.
In July, Denmark was named as part of a pilot program (with Greece, France, Spain, and Italy) to trial an age verification app that could be launched across the European Union for use by adult content sites and other digital providers.
The implementation of similar restrictions is not being taken up everywhere.
For example, South Korea has decided against a social media ban for children. But it will ban the use of mobile phones and other devices in classrooms starting in March 2026.
In the city of Toyoake (south-west of Tokyo, Japan), a very different solution has been proposed. The city's mayor, Masafumi Koki, issued an ordinance in October, limiting the use of smartphones, tablets, and computers to two hours per day for people of all ages.
Koki is aware of Australia's social media restrictions. But as he explained: If adults are not held to the same standards, children will not accept the rules.
While the ordinance has faced backlash, and is non-binding, it prompted 40% of residents to reflect on their behaviour, with 10% reducing their time on smartphones.
In the United States, the opposition to Australia's social media restrictions has been extremely vocal and significant.
American media and technology companies have urged President Donald Trump to “ reprimand” Australia over its legislation. They argue American companies are being unfairly targeted and have lodged formal complaints with the Office of US Trade.
President Trump has stated he would stand up to any countries that “attacked” American technology companies. The US recently called eSafety Commissioner Julie Inman-Grant to testify in front of Congress. US Republican Jim Jordan claimed her enforcement of Australia's Online Safety Act “imposes obligations on American companies and threatens speech of American citizens”, which Inman-Grant strongly denied.
While much of the world seems united in concern about the harmful content and algorithmic features children experience on social media, only one thing is clear – there is no silver bullet for addressing these harms.
There is no agreed set of restrictions, or specific age at which legislators agree children should have unrestricted access to these platforms.
Many countries outside Australia are empowering parents to provide access, if they believe it is right for their children. And many countries are considering how best to enforce restrictions, if they implement similar rules.
As experts point to the technical challenges in enforcing Australia's restrictions, and as young Australians consider workarounds to maintain their accounts or find new platforms to use, other countries will continue to watch and plan their next moves.
Lisa M Given is Professor of Information Sciences & Director, Social Change Enabling Impact Platform, RMIT University.
This article was first published on The Conversation.
Source: Scroll
Related Posts: Reddit launches High Court challenge to Australia's social media ban for kids WhatsApp, Twitch among sites that could face Australia under-16s social media ban After Australia’s under-16 social media ban Australia social media ban set to take effect What to know about Australia's social media ban These alternative apps see traction after Australia social media ban for teens UK Weighs Australia-Style Social Media Ban for Children Australia begins enforcing world-first teen social media ban Australia will enforce a social media ban for children under 16 despite a court challenge
Leading automobile manufacturer Tata Motors on Monday announced a price increase of up to 1.5 per cent across its commercial vehicle (CV) range, effective from April 1. New Delhi: Leading automobile manufacturer Tata Motors on Monday announced a price increase of up to 1
1 hours ago
With the assembly elections on the horizon, the Election Commission has taken decisive action by relocating five Senior Superintendents of Police in Assam. This move, effective immediately, targets key districts including Majuli, South Salmara, Sadiya, Chirang, and Dhemaji
1 hours ago
The Central Bureau of Investigation on Monday told the Delhi High Court that an order discharging all 23 accused persons, including Aam Aadmi Party chief Arvind Kejriwal, from the liquor policy case should not remain on record “even for a second more than what is necessary”, Live Law reported
1 hours ago
India recently stamped their authority in T20Is by retaining the World Cup title they won in 2024. Under the captaincy of Suryakumar Yadav, India outclassed New Zealand in the final to win a record third ICC Men’s T20 World Cup and became the first team to defend the crown
1 hours ago
Farah Khan says she wants Faisal Shaikh to win the finale of The 50: ‘Sabse achche se khela hai’The top 4 finalists for The 50 are Shiv Thakare, Rajat Dalal, Faisal Shaikh (Mr. Faisu), and Immortal Kaka. The grand finale will air on March 22. Mar 16, 2026
1 hours ago
The Supreme Court on Monday (March 16, 2026) quashed criminal proceedings against Ashoka University professor Ali Khan Mahmudabad for his social media posts on ‘Operation Sindoor’ after the Haryana Government informed that it has refused sanction for his prosecution
1 hours ago
Tanzid Hasan’s maiden ODI century and Taskin Ahmed’s four wickets helped Bangladesh beat Pakistan by 11 runs to clinch the ODI series 2–1. Bangladesh clinched a thrilling ODI series victory over Pakistan after edging the visitors by 11 runs in the third ODI in Mirpur
1 hours ago
NMDC’s iron ore production has touched 50 million tonnes and with a fortnight to go for FY 26 the State-owned miner is set to add more to what is already a new record output in a fiscal year. It is a significant milestone that comes days ahead of the close of FY 26, the public sector miner said
1 hours ago
Bengaluru cafe charges 5% 'gas crisis' fee on lemonade bill amid LPG shortage, internet reactsA Bengaluru cafe bill showing a 5% “Gas Crisis Charge” on two lemonades has gone viral online, sparking discussion over additional restaurant fees. Updated on: Mar 16
1 hours ago
Aman Gottumukkala Education: The tool works with popular coding platforms such as Android Studio and JetBrains IDEs, helping programmers write and manage their code more easily. Aman Gottumukkala Education: The race to hire top AI talent is heating up
1 hours ago
The phrase “no quarter” has come under scrutiny after remarks by Pete Hegseth, the United States Secretary of Defence, who said during a Pentagon briefing that the United States would continue military operations with “no quarter, no mercy for our enemies” while referring to strikes against
1 hours ago
The ongoing Iran war could severely impact Gulf economies if it continues, with Qatar and Kuwait potentially seeing GDP contract by about 14% if the Strait of Hormuz remains shut for two months, according to Goldman Sachs. That would mark their worst economic downturn since the early 1990s Gulf War
1 hours ago
Abhishek Sharma revealed that 3 Idiots, starring Aamir Khan, is his favourite film during a rapid-fire session at a Board of Control for Cricket in India felicitation event in New Delhi. New Delhi: 3 Idiots, starring Aamir Khan as the iconic Rancho
1 hours ago
Sinner’s Indian Wells conquest fuels ‘Sincaraz’ dominance: He and Alcaraz have lost just one event together since 2024 Published on: Mar 16, 2026 5:49 PM IST Written by Aratrick Mondal Share via Copy link Jannik Sinner won the Indian Wells 2026 title Alcaraz and Sinner have not only split the
1 hours ago
In recent years, motorcycles have evolved from simple commuting machines to lifestyle products that reflect personality and riding style. One bike that perfectly fits in a simple commuting and lifestyle vehicle – is the Royal Enfield Hunter 350
1 hours ago
Inside the premium washroom aboard Palace on Wheels. Watch videoLet’s take a look inside one of the premium washrooms on India’s luxury train, the Palace on Wheels. Updated on: Mar 16, 2026 5:03 PM IST By Anukriti Srivastava Share via Copy link While most trains in India are targeted for its
1 hours ago
In a significant administrative shakeup ahead of the upcoming elections, the West Bengal government has executed a transfer of senior Indian Police Service officers. This decision came in light of an Election Commission directive that resulted in the removal of DGP Peeyush Pandey and Kolkata Police
1 hours ago
Myanmar's Parliament convened on Monday (March 16, 2026) for the first time since a coup five years ago, in one of the final steps in a nominal return to democracy where its powerful military retains tight control. The gathering of the new Parliament comes after a recent phased election
1 hours ago
The eclipse portal is finally closing: How the New Moon and Aries season will reset your zodiac sign this weekA Pisces New Moon, Mercury turning direct, and the start of Aries season make this week a major turning point in the cosmos and for every zodiac sign Published on: Mar 16
1 hours ago
Mohammad Amir compares Pakistan youngster Maaz Sadaqat to India’s Abhishek Sharma after his stunning 75 and three wickets against Bangladesh. Pakistan may have found its next explosive left-handed batter. Former pacer Mohammad Amir believes 20-year-old Maaz Sadaqat has the potential to become
1 hours ago
Asian Football Confederation says Iran still set to play at FIFA World Cup 2026 Published on: Mar 16, 2026 4:36 PM IST AP Share via Copy link President of Iran Football Federation Mehdi Taj and Mayor of Tehran Alireza Zakani stand next to the FIFA World Cup Trophy during an unveiling ceremony in
1 hours ago
Kanye West's first India concert postponed by 2 months amid US-Iran conflict. Check out new date, details about ticketsThe organisers of Kanye West's concert have cited the current geopolitical climate as the reason for the delay. Mar 16, 2026
1 hours ago
Gastroenterologist shares delicious, gut-friendly blueberry chia pudding breakfast recipe packed with antioxidantsIf you were looking for gut-friendly breakfast options that also taste great, we found a blueberry chia pudding that's actually worth getting out of bed for! Published on: Mar 16
1 hours ago
The Rajasthan Board of Secondary Education (RBSE) is expected to declare the RBSE Class 10 and 12 Result 2026 soon. As per media reports, the results could be announced by March. Once announced, students will be able to check their RBSE 10th
1 hours ago
Suryakumar Yadav desires to play Test cricket. He finds One Day Internationals difficult. T20 cricket is his forte. He has played red-ball cricket for years. He had one Test inning against Australia. He also played in the ODI World Cup final. He acknowledges the different charms of all formats
1 hours ago
The ongoing conflict involving Iran threatens to inflict significant economic damage on several Gulf economies if hostilities persist, with countries heavily dependent on energy exports facing the greatest risk. According to a Bloomberg report citing Goldman Sachs economist Farouk Soussa
1 hours ago
Instagram has confirmed that end-to-end encrypted messaging via the photo and short-video sharing app will no longer be supported after May 8 this year. This means that users who want to ensure that their chat messages are protected with a special key to lower the chances of external interception
1 hours ago
