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August 30, 2025
4 min read

Global Momentum: Why Nations are Uniting to Ban Under-14s from Social Media

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A significant shift is underway in how the world views children's engagement with digital platforms. Recent findings from the 2025 Ipsos Education Monitor reveal a strong international consensus: majorities across numerous countries now advocate for banning children under the age of 14 from using social media platforms. This widespread support underscores growing global concerns about youth mental health, digital well-being, and the potential harms of unchecked online exposure for the youngest generations.

The Rising Tide of Concern for Youth Digital Well-being

The push for a social media ban for minors is not a sudden development but rather the culmination of years of research and anecdotal evidence pointing to a detrimental link between early social media use and adverse mental health outcomes. Experts and parents alike are increasingly vocal about the challenges children face in the digital realm, including cyberbullying, exposure to inappropriate content, and the development of addictive behaviors fueled by platform algorithms.

The 2025 Ipsos Education Monitor highlights that concern about youth mental health is widespread, with many also questioning the role of artificial intelligence and technology in schools. This comprehensive view suggests a societal readiness to enact more stringent online protections for minors.

US States Lead the Way: The Florida Precedent

While global sentiment is clear, the United States has seen legislative action at the state level. Florida, for instance, has been at the forefront of this movement. As of January 2025, a new law in Florida prohibits children under 14 from having social media accounts. This legislation, known as House Bill 3 or the "Online Protections for Minors" act, mandates social media companies to delete existing accounts for those under 14 within 90 days, with potential fines up to $50,000 for violations. Furthermore, minors aged 14 and 15 require parental consent to use these platforms.

This bold move by Florida, signed into law by Governor Ron DeSantis, aims to mitigate the negative impacts of social media on young minds, citing links between platform usage and increased rates of depression, self-harm, and suicide among young people. The law also requires age verification technology and prohibits minors from accessing websites with adult content.

Federal Efforts and the "Kids Off Social Media Act"

The discussion isn't limited to individual states; federal initiatives are also gaining traction. The proposed "Kids Off Social Media Act," championed by U.S. Senator Brian Schatz, aims to establish similar protections nationwide. This act seeks to:

  • Prohibit social media platforms from allowing children under 13 to create or maintain accounts.
  • Ban algorithmic content recommendations for users under 17, while still allowing chronological feeds.
  • Empower the FTC and state attorneys general to enforce these provisions.
  • Require schools to take steps to limit social media on their networks.

These federal proposals underscore a growing recognition that current industry self-regulation and existing age minimums (often 13) are insufficient, as nearly 40% of children aged 8-12 still use social media platforms despite these guidelines.

The Challenge of Enforcement and the Future Landscape

Implementing such bans presents significant challenges, particularly regarding age verification and the digital nature of social media. While some argue that enforcing digital bans is more complex than regulating physical goods like cigarettes, proponents believe that pressuring app stores to "de-platform" applications and combining this with IP blocks could make enforcement nearly automatic.

The debate also touches on free speech concerns, with some trade groups like NetChoice, which represents companies like Meta and TikTok, arguing that such policies could create an "ID for the internet" and restrict all Floridians. However, legislators like Florida House Speaker Paul Renner are confident in overcoming legal challenges, emphasizing the critical need to protect children from what he described as the internet becoming "a dark alley for our children".

As global support for a social media ban for minors continues to grow, nations and states are grappling with how best to safeguard the next generation's mental health and online safety in an increasingly digital world. The ongoing legislative efforts in the US and the widespread international consensus mark a pivotal moment in shaping the future of children's digital engagement.

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