Bill Ready, Bill Ready, the chief executive of Pinterest, has called on governments worldwide to prohibit social media use for children under the age of 16.
In a LinkedIn post, Ready urged global leaders to implement strict regulations and robust enforcement measures to protect young users. “We need a clear standard: no social media for teens under 16, backed by real enforcement, and accountability for mobile phone operating systems and the apps that run on them,” he said.
The announcement comes amid a high-profile trial in Los Angeles examining the impact of social media on children’s mental health. Major technology firms, including Google and Meta, face scrutiny over allegations that their platforms contribute to a youth mental health crisis.
Ready highlighted Australia’s policy banning social media use for children under 16 as an example that other countries could emulate, emphasizing the need for clear age restrictions enforced at a regulatory level.
His position contrasts with that of many leaders in the tech industry, who have been criticized for insufficiently addressing the effects of social media on children and teenagers. Pinterest currently requires users in the United States to be at least 13 years old to create an account.
Over the past several years, Pinterest has increasingly attracted Generation Z users, particularly those aged 17 to 25, making youth engagement a significant focus for the platform. Ready’s comments signal a push for global standards to ensure younger teens are shielded from potential risks associated with early exposure to social media platforms.
Advocates for stricter regulations argue that early social media exposure can exacerbate anxiety, depression, and other mental health challenges in adolescents, highlighting the urgent need for enforceable protections.
Ready’s call also stresses accountability not just for social media companies but for mobile phone operating systems and app developers that facilitate access to these platforms, suggesting a comprehensive approach to youth online safety.
The debate over age restrictions and social media safety continues to gain momentum as policymakers, educators, and technology leaders grapple with balancing online engagement, personal freedom, and the mental well-being of young users.
Pinterest’s CEO is now among a growing chorus of tech leaders urging concrete action, potentially setting the stage for broader international standards regarding children and social media usage.
