A Pew Research Center survey of 9,750 adults reveals that 56% support banning social media for children under 16, with parents showing even stronger backing at 65%. The research highlights growing concern over mental health impacts on young users, including exposure to unrealistic body images, cyberbullying, and self-harm content circulating on these platforms.

Support spans party lines, with far more Republicans and Democrats favoring restrictions than opposing them. Only 21% of respondents outright opposed such a ban, suggesting rare bipartisan consensus on tech regulation. The findings align with actions already taken internationally, as countries from France to South Korea have implemented or proposed similar age restrictions.

Beyond outright bans, 85% of adults endorse requiring parental consent for minors to create social media accounts. Age verification support rose to 78%, while time limits for young users gained 78% approval. These numbers reflect increasing public demand for platform accountability and child protection measures.

The survey underscores mounting pressure on tech companies to self-regulate as lawmakers consider legislation. With mental health concerns driving public opinion and international precedents multiplying, social media platforms face mounting expectations to implement stricter age-gating and parental controls.