The question of whether Christians should seek a ban on social media for kids under 16 is one that demands serious reflection. As believers, we are called to be salt and light in the world (Matthew 5:13-16), protecting the innocent and standing against forces that cause harm. Today, social media has become one of the greatest threats to the mental, emotional, and spiritual well-being of our children. The evidence is clear, and scripture offers a compelling framework for why we must act. The answer is an unequivocal yes: Christians should advocate for a ban on social media for kids under 16.
The Biblical Mandate to Protect Children
Jesus’ words in Matthew 18:6 are stark and sobering: “If anyone causes one of these little ones—those who believe in me—to stumble, it would be better for them to have a large millstone hung around their neck and to be drowned in the depths of the sea.” This scripture underscores the seriousness of our responsibility to protect children from stumbling blocks, and social media is undeniably one of the most pervasive stumbling blocks of our time.
The algorithms driving platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and Snapchat prey on the insecurities of young users, exposing them to harmful content that promotes unrealistic beauty standards, consumerism, and even explicit material. The apostle Paul reminds us in Philippians 4:8 to focus on things that are “true, noble, right, pure, lovely, admirable.” Yet, social media bombards children with the opposite, leading to anxiety, depression, and a distorted sense of self-worth.
The Impact on Mental and Spiritual Health
Social media’s detrimental impact on young minds is well-documented. According to the CDC, 57% of teen girls and 29% of teen boys reported persistent feelings of sadness or hopelessness in 2023. Social media’s role in amplifying these feelings cannot be ignored. Platforms are designed to exploit vulnerabilities, creating an addiction to likes, comments, and shares. Proverbs 4:23 warns, “Above all else, guard your heart, for everything you do flows from it.” When children’s hearts and minds are exposed to harmful influences, their entire lives are affected.
Moreover, the spiritual harm is equally alarming. Social media often promotes values antithetical to Christian teachings. It fosters envy, pride, and an unhealthy focus on self-promotion. Galatians 5:19-21 lists the acts of the flesh, warning that “those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God.” How can we, as Christians, stand by while our children are inundated with content that pulls them further from God?
The Role of Parents and Community
Some argue that banning social media for kids under 16 infringes on parental rights or personal freedom. However, scripture teaches that freedom must always be balanced with responsibility. Paul writes in 1 Corinthians 10:23, “I have the right to do anything,” you say—but not everything is beneficial. “I have the right to do anything—but not everything is constructive.” Allowing children unrestricted access to social media is neither beneficial nor constructive. As parents and a faith community, we are called to guide and protect the next generation.
Proverbs 22:6 advises, “Train up a child in the way he should go, and when he is old he will not depart from it.” Yet, how can we train up our children when they are being discipled daily by social media influencers? The internet’s grip on their attention and values is often stronger than that of their families or church communities. By advocating for a ban, we create a protective boundary that allows parents and faith leaders to reclaim their God-given role as the primary shapers of a child’s worldview.
The Precedent for Legislative Action
The Bible provides numerous examples of God’s people advocating for justice and righteousness through laws and governance. Proverbs 31:8-9 exhorts us to “speak up for those who cannot speak for themselves, for the rights of all who are destitute. Speak up and judge fairly; defend the rights of the poor and needy.” Children, as one of the most vulnerable groups in society, fall squarely into this category.
Legislation is a powerful tool to protect children. Countries like Australia and the UK have already implemented measures to restrict social media access for minors. These efforts align with biblical principles of stewardship and accountability. Romans 13:1-4 reminds us that governing authorities are established by God to uphold good and punish wrongdoing. Advocating for laws that protect children from the harms of social media is an extension of this principle.
5 Legislative Steps Rooted in Biblical Principles
- Secure Age Verification: Social media platforms must block accounts for anyone under 16 using effective and secure age verification methods. This aligns with the principle of guarding our children’s hearts (Proverbs 4:23) by creating a barrier to harmful influences.
- FTC Oversight: The Federal Trade Commission should oversee compliance, with fines for non-compliant platforms. Accountability is a biblical principle, as seen in Luke 12:48: “To whom much is given, much will be required.” Companies profiting from children’s exploitation must be held to a higher standard.
- Parental Tools: Platforms must provide tools for parents to monitor their children’s online activities. This supports the biblical mandate for parents to train their children in righteousness (Proverbs 22:6).
- National Campaign: A nationwide campaign to educate families about social media risks fulfills the call in Hosea 4:6: “My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge.” Equipping parents and children with knowledge is a critical step in protecting them. In my new book The Naked Truth I explore how shocked I am at how little parents know about their kid’s access to sexual confusion and perversion.
- Annual Reviews: Congress should require periodic reviews to adapt to emerging technologies. Ecclesiastes 3:1 reminds us that “To everything there is a season,” and laws must evolve to meet new challenges.
Responding to Objections
Critics may argue that such measures are impractical or infringe on personal freedoms. But as Christians, we must prioritize what is right over what is easy. Galatians 6:9 encourages us, “Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up.” Advocating for this ban is an act of doing good, one that will yield a harvest of healthier, spiritually grounded children, not just Christian children but ALL children.
Another common objection is that parents should bear sole responsibility for monitoring their children’s social media use. While parental responsibility is crucial, we cannot ignore the reality that many parents are overwhelmed or unaware of the dangers. Ecclesiastes 4:9-10 teaches us that “two are better than one… If either of them falls down, one can help the other up.” Communities, governments, and faith leaders must work together to support families in this effort.
A Call to Action
As Christians, we are called to be proactive in defending the vulnerable. James 1:27 defines pure religion as looking after orphans and widows in their distress and keeping oneself from being polluted by the world. Today’s children are spiritual orphans in the digital wilderness, and it is our duty to guide and protect them. How do we say we walk in God’s love and be silent in offering our help and solutions when we know they work.
When my son was in college, he and I and my husband decided to do a social media and TV fast for a week. We agreed we would not watch or listen to anything that was not pure and Godly. We agreed on no social media and that only family conversations and Jesus would dominate our week. The result. My son dove radically into his faith and lead a revival on his University of Kansas college where he played basketball for Bill Self. Our lives changed forever as we opened our home to thousands of college kids who wanted to know more about God over the next 4 years. My love of teaching the word to those young people, alongside my husband, birthed my ministry today. There are no words for what a simple ban from social media, and polluted media and music, did for our destinies.
We decided it was important to:
- Pray for wisdom and courage for lawmakers, parents, and advocates.
- Educate ourselves and others about the harms of social media and unrestricted media in general.
- Contact our representatives to demand legislative action. Something I have begun the fight for just this year and I am greatly encouraged by the new ban in Australia and the protecting guide rails implemented in the U.K.
- Support organizations and campaigns advocating for stricter regulations. Anyone fighting this battle can feel alone and exhausted. Your support, encouragement, prayers, and donations fuel the energy needed to continue until we get a Victory for all God’s precious children who are learning far too much far too soon. It is insane to think we can be silent any longer. Our silence, or inaction, is our acceptance of allowing a culture lost in sin to shape the minds of our future
Social media has become a battleground for the hearts and minds of our children. As Christians, we cannot stand by while their innocence is eroded, their mental health is compromised, and their spiritual growth is stunted. Scripture calls us to act boldly, to protect the least of these, and to advocate for righteousness in every sphere of life.
A ban on social media for kids under 16 is not just a legislative issue; it is a moral imperative rooted in our faith. Together, with God’s guidance, we can create a safer, healthier, and more hopeful future for the next generation.
Photo Credit: Arpad Czapp/Unsplash
Cynthia Garrett broke barriers when she became the first African American woman in the U.S. to host a network late-night show, NBC’s Later with Cynthia Garrett. She is currently seen on TBN and Salem Media networks, as well as on Fox News and other news outlets, addressing cultural issues and today’s news. The Cynthia Garrett Podcasts premiere weekly on all major podcast platforms.
A highly sought-after speaker, author, TV host, and ordained minister, Garrett is the author of The Naked Truth: Reclaiming Sexual Freedom in a Culture of Lies (2024), I Choose Victory: Moving from Victim to Victor (2020), and Prodigal Daughter: A Journey Home to Identity (2016). For more information, visit www.cynthiagarrett.org