Regulating social media use among children and adolescents: a mapping and ethical analysis

Background

The regulation of social media use among children and adolescents has become a major public health priority. Following Australia’s example, many countries have enacted or are considering similar measures. Evidence on existing interventions and their ethical implications remains limited. This study maps current strategies and analyses ethical considerations related to social media bans.

Methods

Targeted manual searches were conducted across multiple databases (TRIP, WHO, OECD, Google Scholar) and government websites to answer two research questions (RQ). The first RQ addressed interventions in countries where restrictions have been implemented, passed, or are under consideration (as of March 2026). Data extraction followed the four-eyes principle; results were synthesised narratively. RQ 2 focused on an ethical analysis of age-restricted social media bans and applied the EUnetHTA Core Model 3.0. Assessment elements were selected through authors discussion; issues were identified by document analysis and synthesised narratively.

Results

Of 23 countries reviewed, 17 have existing regulatory frameworks (e.g. age, content or platform design restrictions) and/or educational programmes, primarily implemented in school settings. Ethical issues were identified across four domains: benefit-harm balance, autonomy, respect for persons, and legislation. Bans may protect children and adolescents from cyberbullying, sexual harassment, and psychological burden, but may restrict social connection and peer support, which are particularly valuable for minorities, such as the LGBTQ+ community. Children and adolescents, as a particularly vulnerable group, warrant special protection regarding autonomy.

Conclusions

Ethically justifying social media bans for children and adolescents requires balancing protection from harm against risks to minorities. Supplementary protective measures and educational programmes are recommended to mitigate unintended consequences.

Key messages

• The ethical defensibility of social media bans for children and adolescents requires balancing protection from harms and considering potential risks for minorities and vulnerable groups.

• Social media restrictions should be accompanied by educational programmes and targeted protective measures to safeguard vulnerable groups and prevent unintended harms.