Pinterest CEO Calls for Global Under-16 Social Media Ban Amid Rising Mental Health Concerns

ISLAMABAD:

The chief executive of Pinterest has urged governments worldwide to impose a ban on social media use for children under 16, intensifying the global debate over the impact of digital platforms on youth mental health.

In a public statement, Bill Ready called for a “clear standard” that would restrict access for younger users, alongside stronger accountability measures for app stores and mobile operating systems that enable access to such platforms.

The remarks come as major technology firms, including Google and Meta, face mounting legal and regulatory scrutiny, particularly in the United States, over allegations that their platforms contribute to mental health challenges among teenagers.

Ready pointed to Australia’s recent restrictions on social media usage for under-16s as a potential global model, signalling a shift in tone from within the tech industry itself, which has traditionally resisted blanket bans.

Currently, most platforms—including Pinterest—require users to be at least 13 years old to create accounts. However, enforcement remains inconsistent, with policymakers increasingly questioning whether existing safeguards are sufficient.

The proposal underscores growing international concern over the psychological effects of prolonged social media exposure, as governments weigh stricter regulations to protect younger users in an increasingly digital world.