A new Fox News poll shows that 64% of American voters and parents support banning teenagers under 16 from social media, while 69% back removing cellphones from K-12 classrooms, reflecting growing concerns about the impact of digital platforms on youth.
By yourNEWS Media Newsroom
WASHINGTON — As concerns about the impact of social media and cellphone use on children continue to grow, a new Fox News poll reveals that 64% of American voters—including 64% of parents—support banning social media for children under 16. The poll, conducted with 1,001 registered voters, also found that 69% favor removing cellphones from K-12 classrooms, highlighting a broad consensus on the need to protect young people from potential digital harms.
A Bipartisan Issue with Partisan Differences
The poll results show a strong bipartisan concern about the effects of social media on youth, though Republicans and Democrats differ in their levels of support. While 73% of Republicans back the idea of banning social media for teens under 16, only 56% of Democrats agree. Similarly, 81% of Republicans support banning cellphones in schools, compared to 59% of Democrats.
This partisan divide suggests that while there is widespread agreement on the need for action, Republicans are more likely to advocate for stricter regulations on social media and cellphone use among children.
Global Precedents and Growing Concerns
The poll’s release comes as Australia implemented landmark legislation on December 10, 2025, with the Online Safety Amendment (Social Media Minimum Age) Act, which prohibits anyone under 16 from holding a social media account. This law, one of the strictest in the world, applies to major platforms like Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube.
In the U.S., lawmakers from both parties have increasingly warned about the risks of social media for children, calling for stronger age restrictions and tougher accountability for tech companies. Recent studies have reinforced these concerns:
- A Pew Research Center report (April 2025) found that nearly half of American teenagers believe social media has a mostly negative effect on people their age.
- A Gallup survey (2023) revealed that 51% of U.S. teens spend at least four hours a day on social media, with the average teen logging 4.8 hours across seven major platforms.
A Call for Action
The poll results underscore a growing demand for policy changes to address the impact of social media and cellphones on youth. With bipartisan support for restrictions, the findings suggest that Americans are ready for stronger measures to protect children from the potential harms of digital platforms.
“The data is clear: parents and voters are deeply concerned about the effects of social media on kids,” said a child safety advocate. “Now, it’s time for policymakers to take action and implement meaningful safeguards.”
As debates over online safety and digital well-being continue, the poll serves as a powerful indicator of public sentiment—and a call for lawmakers to act.
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