Recently, the Prime Minister of Australia has said that the government will introduce legislation to ban social media for people under the age of 16. Indeed, the world over will have to consider the potential benefits and harms of age restrictions on social media to protect teenagers, as well as possible unintended consequences. Such restrictions can help protect mental health, reduce exposure to harmful content, and protect developing brains.
The impact of social media on adolescents has raised serious concerns globally, with debates over whether age restrictions can effectively address its potential harms or lead to unintended consequences. Facilitates interaction and community building with peers and aids social skill development. Pew Research (2023) found that 71% of teens feel more connected through social media. Provides a platform for young people to explore identity and express themselves freely. Social media is a term for internet sites and apps that you can use to share content you create. Social media also allows you to respond to content posted by others. This may include photos, text, reactions or comments posted by others, and links to information.
Online sharing within social media sites helps many people keep in touch with friends or connect with new people, and this may be more important to teens than other age groups. Friendships help teens feel supported and play a role in forming their identity. So, it’s natural to think about how social media use may affect teens. Social media is a big part of many teens’ daily lives. How big? A clue comes from a survey conducted in 2024 of 13- to 17-year-olds. Based on nearly 1,300 responses, the survey found that 35% of teens use at least one of five social media platforms more than several times a day. The five social media platforms are YouTube, TikTok, Facebook, Instagram, and Snapchat. Social media does not affect all teens in the same way. Social media use is associated with healthy and unhealthy effects on mental health. These effects vary from one teen to another. The effect of social media on mental health depends on several factors.
A UNICEF report (2022) shows that social media promotes self-identity in 62% of adolescents. Enables access to vast educational resources and enhances digital literacy and skills. LinkedIn and Facebook provide workshops on digital skills for youth. Creates safe spaces for marginalized groups to find support and understanding. WHO (2022) reports a 20% reduction in mental health risks in youth with limited social media exposure. Limits exposure to inappropriate or dangerous content, reducing risks of negative influences. The American Psychological Association (2023) found that social media use increases the risk of cyberbullying by 30%. It helps reduce the risks of predatory behavior and exploitation targeting young users. The National Center for Missing and Exploited Children’s 2023 report highlights a 15% increase in cases of online exploitation involving youth. Controls excessive screen time and supports better health and offline engagement. South Korea’s regulations on digital media (2021) limit screen addiction among minors.
The unintended consequences of age restrictions are that age verification systems such as age verification are often circumvented, making restrictions difficult to enforce. A U.K. study (2022) shows that 30% of teens bypass age checks with minimal effort. Age restrictions can limit digital education, leaving young people unprepared for responsible online interactions. Restricting access can isolate teens, preventing them from engaging in important social conversations. UNICEF (2023) found that social media helps with inclusivity, especially for marginalized groups. Restrictions on major platforms can push young people to less regulated, potentially more harmful sites. In countries with restrictions, teens have turned to niche platforms with fewer security controls, increasing exposure. Promote digital literacy and awareness. Launch comprehensive digital literacy programs in schools to educate young people about safe online practices.
Finland’s Media Literacy Week trains students in digital safety and critical thinking. Provide resources to help parents monitor and guide their children’s social media use. The 2017 Child Online Protection Framework emphasizes parents’ role in digital guidance. Focus on restricting harmful content rather than age restrictions, allowing for safe and moderate use. France’s 2022 selective restrictions on content such as gambling and violence protect young people without a complete ban. While age restrictions on social media can provide protection, a balanced approach that combines digital education, parental involvement, and targeted content regulation is more practical for protecting teens while allowing them to benefit from social media responsibly.
