To Ban or Allow Social Media Use by Students Under 16 in Saudi Arabia: Perspectives from Parents and Teachers

Abstract

In December 2025, Australia became the first country to officially ban the use of social media platforms as TikTok, YouTube, Instagram, Facebook, Snapchat, Reddit, X, and Threads by students under 16, aiming to protect teenagers from psychological harm and bullying. Educational and health services such as Google Classroom and assistive technology apps are exempt from the ban. About 20 countries have also introduced policies that restrict or prohibit students’ access to social media. Although the Saudi Ministry of Education has not yet considered banning students under a specific age from using social media, this prospective study aims to assess parents’ and teachers’ attitudes toward banning or restricting social media access for students under 16 in Saudi Arabia. Responses to an open ended survey showed that 50% of participants support the ban, believing it enhances students’ wellbeing; protects them from social disconnection and isolation from family and community; prevents the adoption of behaviors or values inconsistent with local culture; preserves students’ ability to concentrate, focus on learning, achieve academically, and engage in productive hobbies; increases attention and responsiveness; protects them from inappropriate or harmful content; prevents moral corruption or exposure to unethical material; reduces childhood obesity and encourages physical activity; and shields students from receiving medical, religious, or general information from fake or unreliable sources. By contrast, 50% oppose the ban—either fully or partially—preferring parental guidance. They argue that technology and social media have entered every home, and preventing students from using them is unrealistic. If parents ban access, students may create accounts secretly. Parents, they believe, can set appropriate rules themselves. They also argue that students should not be isolated from the world; rather, they should be allowed to explore, meet new friends with similar interests, develop communication skills, stay informed about local and global events, and discover and develop their talents and hobbies. By engaging parents, teachers, and policymakers in evidence based dialogue, Saudi Arabia can move toward frameworks that protect students’ wellbeing while supporting their digital literacy, autonomy, and healthy participation in an increasingly connected world.