There’s no doubt that social media has become a powerful force in today’s world. Since its creation in 1997, social media has grown and expanded, becoming a worldwide phenomenon. It’s been integrated into our everyday lives, with people of every age using it. However, an increased use among younger age groups has sparked debates over age restrictions on social media and its effects on teens and children.
The main argument for age restrictions stems from a concern for the safety and well-being of juveniles. Proponents argue that social media harms their mental health. In a study conducted by the Pew Research Center in 2025, twenty-two percent of teens and forty-four percent of adults cited social media as the main factor when asked about threats to teen mental health. A study published by PubMed found that 36% of adolescents wake up to check their phone during the night, and 40% use electronics five minutes before bed. Both of these habits decrease sleep quality and overall health. They also show how teens and children can become attached to their device. The development of insecurities is often used as another argument. Minors are very impressionable, and the constant perfection social media captures can create unrealistic expectations. Targeted advertising is another major concern. The use of demographics and targeted ads, combined with developing cognitive function, can lead to impulsive spending and the development of superficial values.
Critics of age restrictions argue that social media helps create community and can make children feel connected and safe. It allows them to build social connections and keep in touch with peers. The same study by Pew Research Center found that fifty-one percent of adolescents say that social media helps them feel like they have people who support them. Another major argument is that social media can serve as an educational platform, allowing juveniles to explore their interests and do research. A study published by The International Journal of Technology in Education found that 90.7% of people believe that social media is important in education. Social media often has useful information like news, facts, and research.
Even without universal age restrictions, parents can still prevent their children from accessing social media. Parents can employ parental controls like screen time limits and blocking certain apps. They can also simply confiscate the device to prevent further use.
In the digital age, teens and children are becoming an increasingly large online presence. Whether this is harmful or beneficial is still being debated, as well as the potential implementation of age restrictions. It’s important to limit social media for younger people and acknowledge the effect social media can have on them.
Sources:
Faverio, Michelle. “Teens, Social Media and Mental Health.” Pew Research Center, Pew Research Center, 22 Apr. 2025, www.pewresearch.org/internet/2025/04/22/teens-social-media-and-mental-health/.
Masri-Zada, Tariq, et al. “The Impact of Social Media & Technology on Child and Adolescent Mental Health.” Journal of Psychiatry and Psychiatric Disorders, U.S. National Library of Medicine, 2025, pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC12165459/.
Folmert, Jana. “Three Reasons Social Media Age Restrictions Matter.” Family Online Safety Institute, 25 Mar. 2025, fosi.org/three-reasons-social-media-age-restrictions-matter/.
