Global Push for Social Media Restrictions on Youth Under 16

Bill Ready, CEO of Pinterest, has called for a global ban on social media for users under the age of 16, emphasizing the need for clear regulations and accountability within the tech industry. In a LinkedIn post, Ready stated, “We need a clear standard: no social media for teens under 16, backed by real enforcement.” His remarks come amid a trial in Los Angeles where tech giants Google and Meta face allegations of contributing to a youth mental health crisis through their addictive app designs. Pinterest, which has seen a rise in young users, currently requires users to be at least 13 to create an account.

The GuardianGizmodoAsia leading global push to lock kids out of ‘dangerous’ social mediaThe IndependentThe Conversation

Australia was the first country to implement such a ban, which took effect in December 2025. Following this, Malaysia and Indonesia have also enacted similar restrictions, reflecting a growing trend among nations to protect minors from the potential harms of social media. The bans aim to address issues such as cyberbullying, sextortion, and mental health challenges linked to social media use. Critics, however, argue that these measures may drive youth to less regulated online spaces and raise concerns about privacy and surveillance through age verification processes.

Asia leading global push to lock kids out of ‘dangerous’ social media

Initial surveys in Australia suggest mixed outcomes since the ban's implementation. A YouGov survey indicated that while many parents observed positive behavioral changes in their children, such as increased in-person interactions, there were also reports of negative shifts, including a move to alternative platforms. Critics of the bans argue that they may not effectively prevent access to social media, as young users often find ways to circumvent restrictions.

The Conversation

Ready has criticized the current design of social media platforms, likening tech companies to past tobacco executives who neglected public health. He stated, “Our industry has had years to mitigate these harms, but has time and again failed.” Meanwhile, the Australian eSafety Commissioner is conducting a comprehensive evaluation of the Social Media Minimum Age Act, which will assess its effectiveness over the next two years.

The Conversation

While Australia reports that nearly five million accounts of users under 16 have been removed since the ban, the actual impact on youth social media usage remains unclear. Some reports suggest only a marginal decrease in usage among this demographic, indicating that many may still access social media through alternative means. Additionally, the effectiveness of age verification methods is under scrutiny, with concerns about their potential for misuse.

The Conversation

As more countries consider similar bans, the global discourse around youth social media use continues to evolve. The effectiveness of these measures will likely be evaluated over time, with ongoing studies aimed at understanding the long-term impacts on young people's mental health and social interactions. The outcome of the Los Angeles trial may also influence future regulations and corporate practices within the tech industry.

Gizmodo