California's Bold Plan to Ban Social Media for Kids Under 16

California lawmakers are debating a bill to ban social media for children under 16. Assemblymember Josh Lowenthal introduced the measure, citing risks like harmful content, compulsive use, and mental health damage. The proposal follows growing concerns about tech's impact on young people.

The move comes as tech executives, including Meta's Mark Zuckerberg, recently faced court over claims that platforms addict and harm minors. Support for stricter rules is rising, but critics question whether bans will work in practice.

Lowenthal's bipartisan bill would stop social media companies from letting under-16s create or keep accounts. The legislation highlights dangers such as exposure to harmful material, exploitation, and negative effects on well-being. It also reflects broader worries about AI chatbots becoming more embedded in daily life.

California has tried before to make platforms safer for young users. Earlier laws faced resistance from industry groups like TechNet, whose members include Meta and Google. While TechNet has not taken a stance on this bill, it argues that outright bans won't solve the problem.

Other countries have attempted similar restrictions with mixed results. Australia banned under-16s from social media in December, but teens often bypass it using fake ages or alternative platforms. France requires age checks for under-15s, yet privacy laws under the Digital Services Act (DSA) make enforcement difficult. The UK's Online Safety Act 2023 includes plans for under-16 limits, but these won't be consulted on until March 2026. So far, no nation has successfully enforced such rules without widespread circumvention.

Pinterest CEO Bill Ready has backed the idea of a ban if tech firms fail to prioritise safety. His support adds weight to the argument that platforms must do more to protect young users. Meanwhile, a high-profile trial is examining whether companies can be held liable for designing addictive, harmful products.

The bill's fate remains uncertain, but it signals growing pressure on tech firms to address youth safety. If passed, California would join a small group of regions testing strict age limits. The outcome could influence wider debates on how to balance online access with protection for minors.