Public concern about how early children begin using social media is growing across many parts of the world. New survey data from Ipsos shows that most adults now agree children under 14 should not use social media, whether at school or elsewhere.
The global average stands at 71 percent, meaning around seven in ten adults believe young children should stay off these platforms. The view is strongest in Indonesia (87 percent) and France (85 percent), while support is lower in Germany (53 percent) and Thailand (53 percent).
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| Country | Agree | Disagree (2025) | Agree (2025) 2024 |
|---|---|---|---|
| Global Country Average | 71% | 25% | 65% |
| Indonesia | 87% | 11% | 79% |
| France | 85% | 11% | 80% |
| Italy | 83% | 15% | 72% |
| Spain | 82% | 16% | 73% |
| Colombia | 80% | 18% | 76% |
| Australia | 79% | 18% | 71% |
| Mexico | 78% | 20% | 72% |
| Peru | 78% | 21% | 74% |
| South Africa | 77% | 21% | 74% |
| Argentina | 76% | 21% | 69% |
| Türkiye | 76% | 22% | 64% |
| Ireland | 76% | 21% | 69% |
| Chile | 75% | 23% | 71% |
| Belgium | 74% | 22% | 68% |
| Malaysia | 72% | 24% | 71% |
| Netherlands | 71% | 24% | 66% |
| Romania | 71% | 28% | 68% |
| Great Britain | 70% | 21% | 63% |
| Brazil | 69% | 27% | 60% |
| India | 68% | 27% | 73% |
| Canada | 66% | 25% | 61% |
| Singapore | 65% | 29% | 59% |
| Japan | 63% | 25% | 52% |
| South Korea | 63% | 34% | 57% |
| United States | 63% | 30% | 60% |
| Sweden | 62% | 34% | 53% |
| Poland | 62% | 32% | 51% |
| Hungary | 58% | 35% | 60% |
| Germany | 53% | 40% | 40% |
| Thailand | 53% | 40% | 55% |
Australia Moves Ahead of Others
Australia has already turned this sentiment into law. In December, the country will begin enforcing a national ban on social media use for anyone under 16. The law targets major platforms including TikTok, Instagram, and X. Companies that fail to comply face fines of up to A$49.5 million (US$31 million).
The ban, approved in late 2024, was introduced to limit what the government called the “social harm” linked to heavy use among younger teenagers. Supporters say it will help protect children from online risks. Critics argue it could isolate vulnerable groups, including children from migrant, LGBTQIA+, and other minority backgrounds who often find support through online communities.
Shifting Public Mood
The Ipsos data suggests a growing shift in public mood over the past year. Support for restrictions rose in most countries compared with 2024. In France, Italy, and South Africa, the share of people favoring limits increased noticeably, reflecting wider unease about children’s exposure to online content.
Countries such as Spain (82 percent), Colombia (80 percent), and Mexico (78 percent) show similar support, while the United States, South Korea, and Japan remain more divided, each with around 63 percent in favor.
Generational Divide
Opinions vary sharply by age group. Only 39 percent of Gen Z respondents backed smartphone bans in schools. Among older generations, agreement was far higher, reaching 57 percent for Millennials, 61 percent for Gen X, and 69 percent for Boomers.
These differences suggest younger adults may see social media as an essential part of communication, while older groups view it as a potential distraction or risk for children.
Growing Pressure on Tech Firms
Governments are watching these trends closely as they look for ways to regulate how young people interact online. The Ipsos results show that many adults expect technology companies to do more to restrict children’s access.
As more countries debate similar laws, Australia’s policy will likely become a key test case. Its rollout later this year could influence how other nations shape their own rules on when children should begin using social media.
Note: This post was edited/created using GenAI tools.
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by Irfan Ahmad via Digital Information World
