Pinterest CEO Bill Ready has urged global leaders to ban social media for children under 16.
In a LinkedIn post, Ready called for governments to set strict rules and enforce them effectively.
“We need 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,” he wrote.
His comments come as a trial in Los Angeles investigates how social media impacts young users. Major tech companies like Google and Meta are facing claims that their platforms contribute to a mental health crisis among youth.
Pinterest CEO Ready highlighted Australia’s policy, which bans social media for those under 16, as a model for other countries to follow.
This stance sets him apart from many tech leaders, who are under growing pressure from regulators. And lawmakers to address concerns about the effects of their platforms on children and teens.
Currently, Pinterest requires users in the U.S. to be at least 13 years old to create an account.
In recent years, the platform has become popular with Generation Z, especially users aged 17 to 25.
