Opinion: Teenagers & social media – protecting under-15s and teaching responsibility thereafter
05/22/2026
In a number of countries, such as France, the UK and Spain, there are ongoing debates about banning or restricting teenagers’ access to social media. For Elodie GENTINA, a professor at IÉSEG and Gen Z expert, such debates often miss a key point: teenagers are not a homogeneous group. In this article, she draws on the findings of her research to advocate a nuanced approach: providing greater protection for the younger users, particularly those under 15, whilst guiding ‘older’ teenagers towards responsible use of social media. Whilst these platforms expose young people to certain risks, she notes they can also play an important role in their social development, particularly in their ability to understand the intentions, emotions and viewpoints of others.