
Pinterest CEO Bill Ready urges a global ban on social media for users under 16, citing youth mental health concerns.
Pinterest CEO Bill Ready has called for a global ban on social media use for individuals under the age of 16, urging policymakers to adopt stricter standards and enforcement mechanisms.
In a LinkedIn post, Ready said there should be a “clear standard” prohibiting access to social media for younger users, along with accountability for mobile operating systems and app providers.
The statement comes as a legal case in Los Angeles examines the impact of social media on youth mental health, with Google and Meta facing allegations that their platforms contribute to mental health challenges among younger users.
Ready referenced Australia’s restrictions on social media use for under-16s as a potential model for other countries to follow.
The call marks a notable divergence from the positions typically taken by major technology companies, which have faced increasing scrutiny from regulators and lawmakers over the effects of their platforms on children and teenagers.
Currently, users must be at least 13 years old to create an account on Pinterest in the United States.
The issue continues to gain attention as governments and companies evaluate safeguards around youth access to digital platforms.
