The survey of 2,000 Americans revealed that 62% of respondents agreed that kids 15 and under should be barred from creating social media accounts.
With discussions ramping up around the topic, the research aimed to figure out whether people actually thought this was a good idea.
According to the poll, 35% said it should be an all-encompassing country-wide policy that minors under the age of 16 should not be allowed on social media.
Twenty-seven percent agreed with that sentiment, but believe parents should still have discretion on the matter.
One in five (17%) believe that it should be a family decision whether or not a child is allowed on social media and 11% believe that children should be free to use social media if they want.
Interestingly, when asked who should be responsible for children’s online safety, only 4% of those polled pointed to the government.
An overwhelming 55% believe that it’s still the parents’ responsibility to protect their kids online, with just 10% saying the duty should fall to social media companies.
Some respondents believe that social media bans could be a net good for kids and young teens.
A quarter of those polled (25%) believe that a social media ban would lead to improved mental health and 23% think it would lead to more in-person socializing.
However, another one in four (25%) think that kids would simply find ways around the ban and remain on the platforms.
