Pinterest CEO Bill Ready has called on governments around the world to introduce a ban on social media use for teenagers under the age of 16, arguing that current platforms are harming young people’s mental health and development. His comments come as several countries, including Australia, have already imposed bans or are considering stricter rules for minors online.
In an opinion piece he wrote for Time magazine, Ready said the world needs a clear and enforceable standard to protect children from the negative effects of social media. He wrote that young people today are “living through the largest social experiment in history”, with years of unfiltered access to online platforms leading to rising anxiety, depression and attention problems among teenagers.
Ready urged governments to adopt firm rules rather than relying on voluntary action from tech companies. According to Ready, there should be a clear global standard banning social media for users under 16, backed by proper enforcement and accountability for both mobile operating systems and the apps that run on them. He argues that current safeguards are not enough to ensure safety for younger users.
The Pinterest chief pointed to Australia’s recent move to restrict social media access for users under 16 as an example other countries should consider following. According to him, the industry has had years to address safety concerns but has repeatedly failed to act, making government intervention necessary. He compared the current situation to past public health debates around tobacco and alcohol, where regulation was eventually introduced despite resistance from companies.
AI could increase risks for teenagers on social media
Ready also warned that new technologies such as AI chatbots integrated into social platforms could further increase risks for young users, saying these tools can influence behaviour and emotions at a stage when teenagers are still developing. He argued that age limits, even if imperfect, can still reduce harm, just as restrictions on driving or drinking do.
The stance of Ready puts Pinterest in contrast with several major US tech firms that have opposed broad bans on youth social media use, instead favouring parental controls or age-verification systems. Ready argues that the industry risks losing credibility if it continues to defend the status quo while evidence of harm grows. He added that when companies make excuses for inaction, they sound like tobacco companies in the past that resisted regulation.
Pinterest has highlighted its own safety features as proof that stricter rules are possible without losing younger users. The company limits certain social functions for accounts under 16, including messaging and public interactions, and says Gen Z still makes up a large share of its user base.
Meanwhile, governments in countries including Australia, France, Spain, Indonesia and Malaysia are considering or implementing tighter controls on minors’ access to social media, while several US states are also debating new laws.
