Go play outside

Social media bans for minors are gaining global momentum. The UK plans to restrict under-16s from major platforms by 2027, following Australia’s 2025 ban and similar moves in Europe (France, Norway and Denmark). The aim is to curb excessive usage and improve youth well-being. Early evidence, however, suggests limits to effectiveness. In Australia, around 61% of teenagers still accessed restricted platforms months after implementation, highlighting enforcement challenges and the ease of circumvention. Bans appear more successful in raising awareness than eliminating usage. For social media companies, the implications are tangible. Youth engagement is a key driver of long-term user growth and advertising demand. Restrictions risk slowing user acquisition, accelerating shifts toward older demographics, and forcing platforms to invest in compliance and alternative engagement models.

Source: Molly Rose Foundation, March 2026.