Is banning social media for young people the answer? The question does loom large in recent discussions on the issue, in Europe and across the world.

Several European nations are considering following in the footsteps of Australia, where social media platforms have been banned for under-16s since December 2025. France, for its part, plans to restrict access for those aged 15 and under at the beginning of the new school year in September. 

At first glance, the rationale behind these bans appears straightforward: limiting social media access can help protect young users from exposure to inappropriate content, cyberbullying, and hateful speech.

A complex issue

However, as we dive deeper into the subject, many variables come into play, like the use of social media as a means of communication with peers. How does this interact with young users' well-being, and could a social media ban have knock-on effects on the same? 

The ChatEurope team spoke with Tobias Dienlin, Professor of Media Psychology at the University of Zurich, who told us about an ongoing study in Austria involving over 20,000 school teenagers. Its findings indicate that while a ban on social media could correlate positively with improved well-being among youth, it is not the sole solution.

Dienlin argued that relying solely on limitations on users shifts the burden of responsibility onto individuals, while social media platforms remain addictive and unchanged. “Social media don’t have to be the way they are. We can design them and we can make them better for young people,” he emphasised. 

He also highlighted the importance of equipping young people with the tools to navigate social media responsibly. This perspective underscores the growing need for educational initiatives aimed at teaching best practices for online engagement.

Learning how to navigate the online world

To explore this approach in action, we visited a high school in Besançon, France, to meet Guerric Chalnot, the co-founder of BeDiCi, an app designed to help students “Become Digital Citizens.” This initiative aims to provide students with the skills necessary to navigate the online world safely.

Chalnot explains that merely restricting access doesn’t equate to safeguarding children from online risks. BeDiCi currently boasts around 25,000 students engaging with its quizzes and videos on critical topics like cyberharassment, AI, and internet addiction.

Teachers use BeDiCi to guide students through challenging topics that can be daunting even for adults. However, Chalnot acknowledges that educational programs alone won’t resolve all issues. He advocates for a comprehensive approach that includes awareness at every level, not just for students, but also for parents, educators, lawmakers and social media platforms themselves.

The European Union’s role in regulating social media

The European Union (EU) is increasingly positioning itself as a global leader in digital regulation, particularly concerning the safety and well-being of young users on social media platforms. With initiatives like the Digital Services Act and the General Data Protection Regulation (GDPR), the EU is setting high standards for user protection that could influence global practices. 

Experts like Tobias Dienlin argue that the EU has the unique leverage to pressure US tech companies to adopt better design practices that prioritize youth safety. By advocating for stricter regulations, the EU can push for changes that not only protect its citizens but also set a precedent for other regions, encouraging a more responsible approach to social media design worldwide. This collaborative effort could lead to a safer online environment for young people globally, challenging the current norms set by major platforms based in the United States.

To find out more about this topic, watch the video at the top of the article!

Juliette Alfano & Tanishk Saha