Gen Z Calls for Stricter Social Media Regulations Over Mental Health Concerns

Polling reveals widespread regret among young people about early and excessive social media use, with many advocating for stronger protections.

A survey of 16- to 24-year-olds found that 62% believe social media does more harm than good, citing its addictive and toxic nature.
Half of respondents regret the amount of time they spent on social media during their youth, with regret highest among those who started younger.
Seventy-four percent of those surveyed support stronger regulations to protect children from the negative effects of social media, including mental health impacts and sleep disruption.
The UK Parliament is set to vote on the Safer Phones Bill, which proposes further research and guidance on children's screen time but stops short of raising the minimum age for social media use to 16.
Gen Z is increasingly turning to offline social activities, such as phone-free events and running clubs, in search of genuine human connection.