Teen Media Health Monitor

Global Under-16 Social Media Bans Momentum

Global Under-16 Social Media Bans Momentum

Key Questions

What is the UK proposing for social media use by minors?

The UK proposes banning social media for under-16s with added protections for under-17s, targeting implementation by 2027.

How effective have social media bans been in Australia?

Australia's ban shows 85-86% of under-16s still bypass restrictions, with two BMJ studies confirming negligible overall impact despite tougher enforcement plans.

Which US states are advancing social media regulations for minors?

California's under-16 ban has cleared the Assembly, while Connecticut, South Carolina, and Minnesota have enacted laws on warning labels, age verification, or one-hour limits.

What are key arguments against blanket social media bans?

Counterpoint studies show zero experimental evidence supporting bans, with the EFF warning against age-gates and the German Ethics Council opposing blanket restrictions.

What does Pew data indicate about US support for under-16 bans?

Pew data shows majority US support for under-16 bans, rising to 65% among parents.

Les restrictions visant les moins de 16 ans progressent au Royaume-Uni, au Canada, en Californie, dans plusieurs États américains et en Europe. La Californie a désormais signé 13 lois couvrant notamment les fonctionnalités d’engagement, la vérification d’âge, les jouets connectés et certains risques liés aux chatbots ; leur efficacité, leur faisabilité technique et leur compatibilité avec les droits numériques restent à établir.

Sources (3)
Updated Sep 15, 2026