In 2025, Australia raised the minimum age for all social media to 16. Amy, a 15-year-old Australian, said in an interview that she felt “free” for the first time in years. She said she could still text her friends when she wanted to, but now she didn’t feel so much pressure. “I often used to call my friends on Snapchat after school, but because I am no longer able to, I went for a run,” Amy said. Many parents in Australia hope the ban will encourage teens to put down their phones and engage in more in-person activities.

Amy’s reaction might sound surprising, but it is similar to what research has shown. One study asked college students how much they would have to be paid to give up a social media account for four weeks. Researchers found that users would have to be paid around $50 to deactivate their account. But they also found another, surprising result: Users would pay money to have everyone at their college deactivate their accounts. This means that the users valued the social media app because their peers were on it, and they might prefer the app not be an option for anyone.

In the U.S., most social media platforms allow users to join once they turn 13. However, some Americans worry that social media is adding to teens’ mental health struggles. Heavy social media use has been linked to higher rates of anxiety, depression, loneliness, and low self-esteem. Several school districts, individuals, and even states have sued social media companies for making what they claim is an addictive and destructive product. They point out that social media algorithms are designed to engage users as long as possible, even if it harms the user. Some critics say that social media should be limited to people who are old enough to handle it. They think the U.S. should join Australia in limiting social media to those 16 or older. 

In some circumstances, however, social media use has been shown to have positive effects. Research has shown that students who feel they don’t fit in with their classmates can find more compatible communities online. These online communities can be a source of support for teens, making them feel accepted. Many teens also use social media to express their creativity and to stay connected to friends. These young people say we should focus on making social media safe for teens, rather than on limiting it.

Teens often insist they are capable of using social media responsibly at age 13. Some adults agree that teens should be allowed to experience social media while they’re young. They may also feel that children can easily sign up for social media without their parents’ permission, so it is better to know and monitor their use. In fact, many children do sign up for social media accounts before they are 13, since social media apps do not yet verify age in the U.S.

What do you think? Should teens be allowed to join social media at 13? Or should they have to wait until they are 16, or even older?