Many researchers predicted this outcome. Candice Odgers, a teen mental health expert, warned us years ago that bans could backfire: “Teens will find creative ways to access these or even more unregulated spaces, and we should not give them additional reasons to feel alienated from the adults in their lives.” Her prediction echoed the recommendations of Meghan Moreno and Jenny Radesky, co-leaders of the Center of Excellence on Social Media and Youth Mental Health, who likewise argued that in lieu of regulation, there should be a focus on supporting positive online engagement.
I agree with these sentiments. As a cultural anthropologist who has long studied how young people engage with technology — from CD-ROMs to today’s AI-powered platforms — I am also very skeptical of the social media bans that are spreading across the world, including in countries such as France, the United Kingdom, Malaysia, and Turkey. I am skeptical because these policies are animated by two persistent but problematic narratives: technological determinism and adult saviorism. Both overshadow science and lived experience.
The thing I find funny about age gating social media and such, is that it never really fixes the issues. There are adults who should not be on social media as they are not ready for it, where as like the article states, children and teens can be ready for it.
Personally education like everything would be the better approach than age gating/banning teens and children.