Antigua and Barbuda and United States weigh stricter social‑media rules for under‑16s

The government of Antigua and Barbuda is exploring legislation that would restrict social‑media access for children younger than 16, citing research linking heavy use to anxiety, depression, sleep problems and exposure to harmful content.

In the United States, a Pew Research Center survey of 9,750 adults conducted at the end of May 2026 found that 56 % support a ban on social‑media use for anyone under 16, while 85 % favor requiring parental consent for minors to open accounts. Support for age‑verification measures and daily time limits also runs high. No federal ban exists, though several states, including California, have proposed similar measures.

Both articles highlight growing public and governmental interest in tighter controls on youth access to social‑media platforms, reflecting broader concerns about mental‑health impacts and online safety.