Most Americans agree that more government regulation of social media is needed, including age restrictions to keep kids under 16 off social media.

Sixty-six per cent of U.S. adults endorsed age verification, according to a poll by news outlet Reuters and polling firm Ipsos, which surveyed 4,505 people July 29–August 3. In the meantime, 61 per cent said social media companies should be regulated more strictly (including both Democrats and Republicans).

The poll is in the wake of increasing worries about overuse of screens, addictive platform features and how social media affects kids’ mental health.

Republicans Respond With Strong Support for Age Checks

With Republican support at 74 per cent, Democratic support at 69 per cent, and independent support at 90 per cent. Many Americans raised concerns about social media’s effect on mental health, and about 85% of Americans agreed that social media can become addictive for children.

Some voters have a preference that the government should not be involved in many things, but not in protecting children.

Meta and YouTube Face Legal Pressure 

The survey comes at a time when the safety of children online is increasingly under scrutiny for companies like Meta and YouTube.

Meta is under scrutiny for alleged “compulsory usage” of its platforms on children. The company denies the claims. Meta was also ordered to pay $567 million for teenage mental health programs and to modify the way Facebook and Instagram function for minors in a New Mexico court on Aug. 6. Meta is planning to appeal.

Over a dozen states in the U.S. have enacted laws governing children’s access to social media. But NetChoice, representing companies such as Meta, TikTok and Snap, has attacked age-verification laws, saying they could infringe on free-expression rights.

Voters Across Parties Want Action

Both sides of the aisle in the U.S. voiced fears over social media’s impact on teens, and urged more government regulation.

Several poll respondents also raised issues about the inability to police age restrictions. Children who know how to use technology can easily circumvent many parental controls and self-imposed age limits.

Americans Still Enjoy Social Media 

Though some have worries about kids, most Americans are still social media users. About 70% reported that they enjoyed using social platforms, and 35% reported that they were stressed out by using social platforms.

Around half of them (52%) said they spend too much time on social media, while 43% disagreed.

Countries Tighten Social Media Age Limits 

This U.S. discussion is part of a worldwide effort to tighten age limits.

In December 2025, Australia enacted a nationwide ban on under-16 social media accounts. From September of 2026, France will limit social media access for users under age 15, and the UK and Malaysia will work to implement tougher age verification.

Other European nations are mulling similar measures, from age verification to parental consent to outright bans.

Americans use and enjoy social media platforms, but the Reuters/Ipsos poll indicates that support for more stringent regulation of these platforms is increasing, as well.