Andrés Montero, psychologist: “It is essential that young people learn to live with social media, not just to avoid it”
We consulted a mental health expert who told us how a false sense of security can arise for parents and how basic education is lacking.
Following the announcement by Pedro Sánchez in Dubai that minors under the age of 16 would be banned from accessing social media, as has been done in other countries around the world, we consulted a mental health professional to understand how this measure is being received.
Psychologist Andrés Montero Rama of Norte Psicólogos told Diario AS that he agrees with part of the initiative, although with some important nuances. “I understand the measure, and I also understand why it is being taken. But I think it comes in a context that is almost one of desperation, given how the situation is evolving.”
“Banning access can generate several unintended effects. The first is the so-called forbidden fruit effect. When something is prohibited, many adolescents feel an even stronger urge to try it. Today, creating fake accounts, using VPNs, or bypassing verification systems is extremely easy. Controlling that will be very difficult,” he explains.
“To this we must add another major risk: a false sense of security. Many parents may think that, because a formal ban exists, their children will no longer be on social media. That could lead them to relax their vigilance, when in reality minors may continue to access these platforms through alternative means. In other words, we risk having less adult supervision in an environment that remains just as accessible.”
On the other hand, he adds, “something fundamental is still missing: basic education about the internet and social media. Without that learning, young people cannot develop tools for self-regulation, setting limits, or knowing when to stop. If we only prohibit, we stop working on the critical thinking they need to decide what they do and do not want to consume, and what is healthy and what is not. It is essential for young people to learn how to live with social media, not just avoid it.”
Countries With Social Media Bans for Minors
• Australia (total ban, in force): The first country in the world to completely ban access to social media for minors under 16. The law requires platforms such as TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, and YouTube to block underage users starting December 10, 2025. Platforms face multimillion-dollar fines if they fail to verify users’ ages.
• France (ban for minors under 15): The country prohibits social media use for children under 15. Existing accounts must be closed by the end of 2026.
• Denmark (ban for minors under 15): A ban for those under 15 has been announced, with an exception allowing access from age 13 with parental consent.
• Malaysia (planned ban for minors under 16 starting in 2026): The government has announced it will prohibit social media access for those under 16 beginning in 2026, although an exact date has not yet been published.
• European Parliament: A nonbinding resolution has been approved setting 16 as the minimum age for social media use. However, it is not yet a legal ban, and the date and legal mechanism for the 27 member states remain to be determined.
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