The tide is turning on teen social media use. Our latest poll reveals that 71% of respondents support age restrictions on social platforms—a remarkably high number that crosses political and demographic lines.
This overwhelming consensus represents a dramatic shift from just a few years ago, when concerns about teen social media use were dismissed as moral panic. What changed?
of respondents support banning or restricting social media access for children under 16
The Mental Health Crisis
The data driving public opinion is stark. Studies have linked heavy social media use among teenagers to increased rates of anxiety, depression, and self-harm. Parents report watching their children's mental health deteriorate in real time as screen time increases.
Among our respondents who supported restrictions, 84% cited mental health concerns as their primary reason. The evidence has become too compelling to ignore.
What the Research Shows
Key Concerns Cited by Respondents
- Rising rates of anxiety and depression among teens correlate with social media adoption
- Cyberbullying and online harassment create constant stress
- Comparison culture and filtered reality damage self-esteem
- Sleep disruption from nighttime phone use affects development
- Addictive design features exploit developing brains
The Implementation Challenge
While support for restrictions is high, the practical challenges are significant. How do you verify age online without compromising privacy? How do you enforce restrictions when VPNs and workarounds are readily available?
Several countries have attempted age verification systems with mixed results. Australia is currently piloting a nationwide ban on social media for under-16s, which will provide crucial data on what works and what doesn't.
of respondents who opposed restrictions cited enforcement challenges and the likely ineffectiveness of any ban
The Free Speech Debate
Opponents of age restrictions raise important civil liberties concerns. They argue that social media provides valuable opportunities for connection, learning, and self-expression—particularly for marginalized youth who may not have supportive communities offline.
Some suggest that instead of blanket bans, we should focus on better parental controls, digital literacy education, and regulations that force platforms to remove addictive features and harmful content.
What's Next?
The strong public support for age restrictions suggests we're at an inflection point. Several U.S. states are considering legislation, and federal action may not be far behind.
The question is no longer whether to act, but how to act effectively. The challenge will be crafting policies that protect young people's mental health while preserving the beneficial aspects of online connection and respecting civil liberties.
One thing is certain: the days of treating teen social media use as a personal parenting issue rather than a public health concern are over.