In recent years, governments around the world have not only begun taking a closer look at how social media affects young people, but they have also begun to take action. One of the latest efforts comes from Spain, where Prime Minister Pedro Sánchez recently announced plans to ban social media use for anyone under the age of 16.
The proposal was announced as part of a broader push to protect children from addictive and harmful digital platform designs. The initiative reflects a growing concern among policymakers that social media has become a “digital wild west…where laws are ignored, and crimes are tolerated.”
The proposal highlights a growing divide between global approaches to tech regulation. European countries have tended to take a more aggressive stance toward platform oversight, while similar policies in the United States have moved more slowly through legislative channels.
These efforts call into question: How much access should children have to social media in the first place?
Details of Spain’s plan to ban youth from social media
If approved by parliament, Spain’s law would prevent anyone under 16 from creating accounts on TikTok, Snapchat, Facebook, Instagram and other major platforms.
The bill would raise to 16 the age at which minors can consent to the processing of their personal data, and therefore the age at which they can use social media platforms. Minors under that age would only be able to access such content with the permission of their legal guardian.
Sánchez also spoke of a tracking system to quantify and trace an online footprint to coordinate faster and stricter enforcement of social media rules across borders.
This measure would just be one step in a series of legislative and regulatory moves. Spain’s government is also exploring additional digital safeguards, including measures that would hold tech companies accountable for illegal or hate-related content that appears on their platforms. It is also a goal to criminalize the manipulation of algorithms and the amplification of illegal content.
Supporters, like the conservative People’s Party, argue the rules are necessary to protect children from cyberbullying, harmful algorithms and online harassment. Critics, such as the far-right Vox party, worry enforcement may prove difficult and that bans could push teens toward less regulated corners of the internet.
Following in Australia’s footsteps
Spain is not the first country to consider strong limits on youth social media use.
In fact, in February, Australia approved a proposal to ban social media access for children under 16 entirely. Australia’s removed existing accounts belonging to 4.7 billion users under the age of 16.
Unlike some earlier policies, Australia’s approach does not include parental consent exceptions. The goal is to create a clear nationwide rule limiting social media exposure for younger teens.
Other countries are exploring similar strategies. France already restricts social media access for users under 15 without parental approval. Meanwhile, Denmark and Malaysia are also studying stronger regulations for youth social media use.
Stats and trends: Kids on social media
In Spain alone, more than 90% of teenagers engage with at least one social media platform. The same research found that roughly one in ten minors in Spain has experienced cyberbullying online.
Globally, social media use among adolescents has reached record levels. Studies suggest many teens spend around five hours per day on social media, with some reporting usage closer to nine hours daily.
High levels of social media engagement have also been linked to several mental health concerns, including:
Anxiety and depression
Poor sleep patterns
Increased feelings of loneliness
Body image issues
Fear of missing out (FOMO)
Research also shows that teens who spend the most time on social media often report weaker parental connections and higher levels of emotional distress.
Social media addiction treatment options
Social media addiction, sometimes called problematic social media use (PSMU), describes a pattern where someone feels compelled to check or use social platforms despite negative consequences.
Treatment typically focuses on helping individuals understand the emotional triggers behind compulsive behavior and build healthier digital habits.
Common approaches include:
Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) to identify and change harmful thought patterns
Motivational interviewing to help individuals develop healthier goals around technology use
Dialectical Behavioral Therapy (DBT) to improve emotional regulation and coping skills
Many people can address social media addiction through outpatient therapy, particularly when early intervention occurs.
Birches Health provides virtual treatment programs designed to help individuals regain control over compulsive digital behaviors.
Online treatment options with Birches Health include:
One-on-one therapy with licensed, certified counselors
Peer support
Family and couples counseling
Because care is delivered online, individuals and families can access treatment from anywhere in the United States. If you, your child, or someone you love is struggling with unhealthy social media habits, support is available. Reach out to Birches Health today:
Email help@bircheshealth.com
