6 in 10 parents worldwide support social media ban for under 16s - but children are divided

New global research from Family First, a Varkey Foundation initiative, reveals early findings from the world’s first intergenerational study on under-16 social media bans across 15 countries.

• Family First unveils preliminary findings from world’s first global intergenerational study of a social media ban for under-16s in 15 countries

• Support among parents for a social media ban for under-16s is highest in Malaysia (77%) and India (75%), Argentina (55%) and lowest in Japan (38%) and Nigeria (39%)

• Data reveals generational divide worldwide: 37% of children support a ban – a 23-point gap compared to parents. Support for a ban is also highest in Malaysia, India (both 62%), and China (50%), and lowest in Japan (20%), Argentina, and Sweden (both 26%)

• Globally, the majority of Gen Z (51%) – the first true digital natives – support a social media ban for under-16s. Support for the ban is highest in India (73%) and UAE (67%), Argentina (54%) and lowest in Japan (28%), UK, and Canada (both 40%)

Following Australia’s first-of-its-kind ban on social media for under-16s, and with more than two dozen countries considering similar measures, new global research from Family First, a Varkey Foundation initiative, shows that 60% of parents globally support a social media ban for under-16s in their country. However, opinion among children worldwide is divided, with 37% supporting a ban, 36% opposing it, and the rest undecided. Notably, a majority of Gen Z respondents globally (51%) support a ban for under-16s – particularly striking given they are the first generation to have grown up with social media from childhood.

The findings come from the world’s first global intergenerational study of family bonding, surveying children, parents, Gen Z, and grandparents, with full results to be published in June by Family First. This will feature the world’s first Family Bonding Index, which assigns countries a score based on the strength of family connections. The initial findings, released today, highlight differences between generations in their views on banning social media for under-16s across countries.

Family First is a global movement launched by the Varkey Foundation to strengthen intergenerational bonds between children, parents and grandparents, with the aim of building stronger communities across generations. Launched by Sunny Varkey, founder of GEMS Education, the movement reflects a longstanding commitment to fostering strong family values and encouraging greater support between children and parents, contributing to healthier and longer lives. It is rooted in the belief that education goes far beyond academic achievement – it shapes values and develops not only students, but future parents, future leaders, and stronger societies.

60% of parents worldwide support a ban on social media for under-16s, with 21% opposed and 19% undecided. Among the countries surveyed, support for a ban is highest in Malaysia (77%), India (75%), and France (74%). Japan records the lowest level of support for a ban at 38%, followed by Nigeria (39%) and the US (51%). In Australia, the world’s first country to ban social media for under-16s, 66% of parents back the measures.

The data also reveals a global divide between parents and children on social media bans for under-16s. Just 37% of under-18s support a ban, creating a 23-point gap with their parents. The widest generational gaps are seen in Australia (34 points), Sweden (33 points) and Canada (32 points). Support for the ban among young people is also highest in Malaysia and India (both 62%) and China (50%), and lowest in Japan (20%), Argentina, and Sweden (both 26%).

The research also showed that the majority of Gen Z (51%) – the first true digital natives – support a social media ban for under-16s. Support for the ban is highest in India (73%), UAE (67%), and Malaysia (65%). Support for the ban is lowest in Japan (28%), UK and Canada (both 40%).

Sunny Varkey, Founder of Family First and the Varkey Foundation, said: 

“This research highlights a growing tension many families are experiencing in the digital age. Parents throughout the world are increasingly concerned about the impact social media may be having on their children. Our aim with Family First is not simply to debate bans, but to start a broader conversation about how technology is shaping family relationships and the values young people grow up with. If we want stronger families tomorrow, we must help children develop healthy relationships with technology today.”

About the research 

Family First commissioned research agency We Are Family to conduct the survey. We Are Family interviewed 6,002 parents, 6,011 of their children aged 9-18, 3,000 grandparents of children aged 9-18 and 3000 Gen Z participants in January and February 2026. The countries included in the research are Argentina, Australia, Brazil, Canada, China, France, India, Japan, Kenya, Malaysia, Nigeria, Sweden, UAE, UK, and US. The Family First Global Survey, set to be published in June, represents the first step in spotlighting the issues shaping family connections, providing insights to guide policy decisions and drive meaningful action.