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Pinterest CEO Bill Ready has urged world leaders to consider banning social media use for children under 16, citing concerns over mental health and safety.
In a LinkedIn post on Friday, Ready called for “a clear standard: no social media for teens under 16, backed by real enforcement, and accountability for mobile phone operating systems and the apps that run on them.”
Ready’s statement comes amid increasing scrutiny of social media platforms and their effects on young users.
Pinterest, an image-sharing platform, has experienced a surge in teen sign-ups over the past year, even as the company has disappointed investors with recent quarterly financial results.
By calling for a ban, Ready is aligning with concerns expressed globally about the addictive design of social media apps and their impact on youth mental health.
The CEO highlighted Australia’s policy on youth social media as a potential model. Under this law, teens under 16 are allowed to create accounts, but platforms must enforce stricter controls and accountability measures.
A company spokesperson declined to comment on whether Pinterest itself would fall under such a ban, though Ready’s advocacy positions Pinterest as more cautious in regulating teen access compared to larger rivals like Instagram.
In the United States, Pinterest requires users to be at least 13 years old to sign up for an account. Ready’s post coincides with ongoing litigation in Los Angeles where tech giants Google and Meta face allegations that their apps are intentionally designed to addict young users, contributing to a youth mental health crisis.
The jury is currently deliberating on the case, which could set significant legal precedents for social media regulation worldwide.
By taking this stance, Ready diverges from the approach of other major technology leaders who have been reluctant to impose age-based restrictions on social media use.
His call emphasizes accountability, safety, and mental well-being for children and teens. Advocates argue that stricter regulations could help reduce online bullying, exposure to harmful content, and addictive behaviors that interfere with healthy development.
While Pinterest is smaller than other social media giants, Ready’s move signals that even mid-sized platforms are being pressured to reconsider how young users interact with technology.
The recommendation could influence global discussions on digital safety, platform accountability, and the responsibilities of tech companies toward their youngest users.
Ready’s bold suggestion adds to a growing chorus of voices advocating for tighter regulation of social media among children and teenagers, highlighting the urgent need for policies that balance innovation with protection.
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