Can social media bans protect young people's mental health? Early research suggests that bans aren't the answer

In 2026, social media platforms have faced multiple lawsuits totaling over $17 billion, with claims of negligent design to hook children and misleading information about safety and privacy. As a result, bans for minors are increasing worldwide, with countries like Australia, the U.K., Greece, the United Arab Emirates, Canada, and more proposing or enacting restrictions.

The bans vary in age requirements, parental consent rules, and verification methods. While some bans are driven by political concerns and privacy protection, mental health is often cited as a reason. However, skepticism exists on whether these bans will effectively improve mental health in young people.

Research suggests that social media usage is linked to an increase in mental health issues among adolescents, such as anxiety and depression. In 2021, it was estimated that 20.5% of young people experienced elevated anxiety symptoms, and 25.2% reported elevated depression symptoms globally. Factors contributing to these mental health challenges include better screening, societal disruptions due to the COVID-19 pandemic, and increased screen time.

Some researchers argue that banning social media access is akin to age restrictions on alcohol or cigarettes, but social media platforms offer benefits like global connectivity, community-building, self-expression, and civic engagement.

However, early evidence from the Australian ban indicates that many children continue to access social media using false IDs, VPNs, and other workarounds. This has led to the debate over the effectiveness of bans and their potential privacy concerns. Australia is considering stricter measures, such as limiting access to consumer VPNs, while other countries require platforms to verify users' age. Age verification methods often involve collecting sensitive data, raising privacy concerns.