In late 2025, Australia became the first nation to pass a comprehensive, nationwide ban on social media for children under 16. Spain, Denmark, Malaysia, Norway and France have also introduced similar anti-social media legislation/bills.

As 2026 begins, some U.S. citizens fear the government may follow Australia’s lead. Arkansas, California and Florida are just a few states that have enacted legislation that either bans minors from opening certain social media accounts or requires them to obtain parental consent before doing so. 

Rather than protecting youth, social media bans would ultimately backfire by creating a “forbidden fruit” effect. The forbidden fruit effect is a physiological phenomenon that causes individuals to desire something more because it’s restricted.

Bans on social media would hurt teenagers in the long run. 

“Social media bans would ultimately harm teenagers,” sophomore Nyia McCoy said. “Banning social media takes away the primary source of communication and comfort for many people.”

McCoy then discusses an alternative to banning social media completely for teens. 

“I think quality education on the internet would be far more beneficial than banning social media, as it solves the issue of teen safety while maintaining a third space of sorts.” 

However, sophomore Kailey Tromley feels as if it could be helpful in some ways.

“Getting rid of social media would have many positives and negatives on society,” Tromley said. “Online bullying would decrease. and people would spend more time off their phones. However, people would have to learn new ways of communicating from what they know now and would have to find other effective ways of sharing essential information for things like clubs, events, etc.”

A complete ban on social media could also interfere with daily communication among teens.

“One of the main ways I reach my friends and sometimes my family is through social media,” sophomore Carson Culley said.

Banning social media may also leave teens stunted in developing communication skills.

“Social media allows us to explore interests and develop new and uncommon experiences,”  sophomore Stella Danner said. “Bans may leave people deprived of essential conversation skills.”