Several countries, including French-speaking Belgium, are considering banning the use of social media for children and teens under the age of 15. Social media is often cited as the main cause of cyberbullying and, more broadly, mental health issues among young people. It is therefore seen as something children need to be protected from. However, three recent position papers from Betternet partners (the Belgian Safer Internet Centre) Child Focus, Média Animation, the Conseil Supérieur de l’Éducation aux Médias (CSEM), and Mediawijs, point in the same direction: a ban is not the right solution.
There is a broad consensus that children and young people are exposed to real risks online. But these problems do not originate from the young people themselves. They are linked to the way platforms are designed – with algorithms that maximise attention, a lack of age-appropriate safeguards, and the easy spread of harmful content. A ban therefore punishes the victims, instead of addressing the structural causes.
A ban: ineffective and counterproductive
All three documents highlight the limitations of a legal age restriction (15 or 16 years). Such a measure is difficult to enforce and easy to circumvent. Today, the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) rule, stating that the minimum age required is 13, is already widely ignored.
More importantly, a ban creates a false sense of security. Young people would continue to use these platforms, albeit discreetly or in secret, making it harder for adults to support them. There is also a risk that media literacy will be undermined, as it creates the illusion of a simple solution.
Finally, a ban deprives young people of the positive aspects of social media: social connections, peer support, creativity, identity development, and access to information. For many, social media is an essential part of daily life. The challenge is therefore not to exclude young people, but to create digital environments that are safe and age-appropriate, with room for education and guidance.
Instead of banning, the focus should be on:
- Media literacy, based on the actual practices of young people – including recreational use – to develop critical thinking and digital autonomy. Gradually supporting young people as they enter the digital world, with environments adapted to their age and a step-by-step build-up of responsibility.
- It is also essential to regulate platforms so that they take responsibility for ensuring safe digital spaces for children and young people.
- Equipping parents and educators with clear guidelines, practical tools, and the right resources to help children navigate the digital world, foster intergenerational dialogue, and prevent risks without losing sight of the valuable opportunities social media offers.
The three perspectives align: banning social media for young people under 15 is neither realistic, nor effective, nor fair. The priority is not to shut children out of the digital world, but to transform that world into a safe, inclusive, and stimulating space for their development.
Media literacy plays a key role in this process: it enables young people to explore the digital world with insight and knowledge and ensures that adults are well-equipped to guide and support them.
The three position papers are accessible here:
- “Children and young people on social media: how can we guide and protect them?” by Mediawijs,
- “Opinion piece - Social media ban for young people: brilliant idea or false sense of security?” by Child Focus,
- “The social media ban for children under the age of 15” by CSEM (with Média Animation).
Find more information about the work of the Belgian Safer Internet Centre, including its awareness raising, helpline, hotline, and youth participation services, or find similar information for other Safer Internet Centres throughout Europe.
More on Age-appropriate design
Several countries, including French-speaking Belgium, are considering banning the use of social media for children and teens under the age of 15. Social media is often cited as the main cause of cyberbullying and, more broadly, mental health issues among young people. It is therefore seen as something children need to be protected from. However, three recent position papers from Betternet partners (the Belgian Safer Internet Centre) Child Focus, Média Animation, the Conseil Supérieur de l’Éducation aux Médias (CSEM), and Mediawijs, point in the same direction: a ban is not the right solution.
There is a broad consensus that children and young people are exposed to real risks online. But these problems do not originate from the young people themselves. They are linked to the way platforms are designed – with algorithms that maximise attention, a lack of age-appropriate safeguards, and the easy spread of harmful content. A ban therefore punishes the victims, instead of addressing the structural causes.
A ban: ineffective and counterproductive
All three documents highlight the limitations of a legal age restriction (15 or 16 years). Such a measure is difficult to enforce and easy to circumvent. Today, the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR) rule, stating that the minimum age required is 13, is already widely ignored.
More importantly, a ban creates a false sense of security. Young people would continue to use these platforms, albeit discreetly or in secret, making it harder for adults to support them. There is also a risk that media literacy will be undermined, as it creates the illusion of a simple solution.
Finally, a ban deprives young people of the positive aspects of social media: social connections, peer support, creativity, identity development, and access to information. For many, social media is an essential part of daily life. The challenge is therefore not to exclude young people, but to create digital environments that are safe and age-appropriate, with room for education and guidance.
Instead of banning, the focus should be on:
- Media literacy, based on the actual practices of young people – including recreational use – to develop critical thinking and digital autonomy. Gradually supporting young people as they enter the digital world, with environments adapted to their age and a step-by-step build-up of responsibility.
- It is also essential to regulate platforms so that they take responsibility for ensuring safe digital spaces for children and young people.
- Equipping parents and educators with clear guidelines, practical tools, and the right resources to help children navigate the digital world, foster intergenerational dialogue, and prevent risks without losing sight of the valuable opportunities social media offers.
The three perspectives align: banning social media for young people under 15 is neither realistic, nor effective, nor fair. The priority is not to shut children out of the digital world, but to transform that world into a safe, inclusive, and stimulating space for their development.
Media literacy plays a key role in this process: it enables young people to explore the digital world with insight and knowledge and ensures that adults are well-equipped to guide and support them.
The three position papers are accessible here:
- “Children and young people on social media: how can we guide and protect them?” by Mediawijs,
- “Opinion piece - Social media ban for young people: brilliant idea or false sense of security?” by Child Focus,
- “The social media ban for children under the age of 15” by CSEM (with Média Animation).
Find more information about the work of the Belgian Safer Internet Centre, including its awareness raising, helpline, hotline, and youth participation services, or find similar information for other Safer Internet Centres throughout Europe.
- age-appropriate design age-restriction social media age verification
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