Bill Ready has urged governments to ban social media use for children under 16, adding to a growing global debate over youth access to digital platforms.
In an opinion piece published in Time, the Pinterest chief described the current digital environment as a large-scale, real-world experiment on children.
CEO Warns Of Impact On Youth Mental Health
Ready said young users are being exposed to social media without sufficient safeguards, citing research linking heavy usage to rising levels of depression, anxiety, and reduced attention spans.
He argued that platforms were introduced without fully considering their long-term effects on younger audiences.
Calls For Regulation Similar To Tobacco And Alcohol
In his op-ed, Ready compared social media regulation to restrictions placed on industries such as tobacco and alcohol.
He said stricter policies could improve public health outcomes and protect children from potential harm.
Ready also warned that tech leaders risk repeating past mistakes if they delay action, drawing parallels to how tobacco companies were eventually forced to change through regulation and legal pressure.
Pinterest Highlights Its Own Youth Restrictions
Ready pointed to Pinterest’s own approach, noting that the platform limits access to certain social features for users under 16.
He said the company has continued to see engagement from younger audiences despite these restrictions.
Global Momentum For Social Media Limits
Several countries have already introduced or are considering restrictions on youth access to social media.
Australia has implemented a ban, while Malaysia, Spain, and Indonesia have announced similar measures.
Lawmakers in France have approved a ban for users under 15, and political leaders in Germany have expressed support for comparable policies.
In the United States, several states are also exploring ways to restrict minors’ access to social media platforms.
Debate Continues Across Tech And Policy Circles
The push for age-based restrictions is gaining traction among policymakers, even as it raises questions about enforcement, age verification, and the role of technology companies.
Ready’s comments place him among a small group of tech executives publicly supporting stricter regulation, as governments continue to weigh how best to address concerns around youth safety online.
Featured image credits: Plann
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