**Querétaro Governor Proposes Social Media Ban for Minors Under 14**
In a bid to protect young people from the adverse effects of social media, the Governor of Querétaro has introduced a legislative proposal to ban the use of social media platforms by children under the age of 14. Governor Mauricio Kuri González, a member of the Acción Nacional Party (PAN), submitted this initiative to the Querétaro senators, Guadalupe Murguía Gutiérrez and Agustín Dorantes Lámbarri.
Highlighting an increase in isolation, anxiety, insomnia, and depression among children and teenagers, Governor Kuri emphasized that these issues are not isolated to Querétaro but affect the entire country. He argued that social media usage should be restricted to individuals over 14, contingent upon parental consent.
In addition to this age restriction, the initiative proposes banning cellular phones within the educational system and increasing penalties for digital harassment. A parental authorization requirement is also suggested for young users aged 15 to 17, alongside the establishment of “Youth Zones”—dedicated spaces for social interaction, sports, and cultural engagement aimed at diverting minors’ attention from the digital world.
Governor Kuri’s proposal comes on the heels of alarming statistics indicating that in the past year, 45 percent of Querétaro’s youth faced discouragement or anxiety impacting their day-to-day lives, such as school attendance, homework, or social interactions. Instances of anxiety have surged by 15 percent, and depression cases have risen by 18 percent due to social media influences.
Kuri also warned that the quest for popular posts leads young users to compromise their privacy, sharing personal details accessible by strangers. The governor pointed out an increase in social media-related crimes, with schools in the region addressing weekly incidents of bullying, cyberbullying, or sexual harassment, predominantly affecting girls and women.
A significant development within this initiative is the support from Meta, owner of Instagram, Facebook, and WhatsApp, to help regulate social media access for minors. Governor Kuri called for participation from media, academia, and civil society to press for support from other political parties for the proposal’s advancement.
—
**Supporting Article: Global Trends in Regulating Social Media Use Among Minors**
As concerns rise over the effects of social media on young users, several countries are considering or have already implemented regulations similar to those proposed by the Querétaro governor. For instance, in the United States, several states have proposed laws to mandate parental consent for minors using social media, aimed at protecting children from online predators and mental health issues.
In Europe, the United Kingdom has introduced age-appropriate design codes, compelling social media companies to design their platforms with children’s data protection in mind. These regulations ensure heightened privacy standards and discourage the collection and use of children’s data without explicit consent.
South Korea has been proactive in enforcing internet curfews for users under 16 to prevent gaming addiction, which is often tied to social media usage. Meanwhile, China limits online gaming time for children and adolescents, a step towards broader internet use regulation for minors.
These global efforts align with rising parental and governmental anxieties about the impact of social media and digital environments on younger populations, aiming for safer and healthier online interactions.