In an era where smartphones and social media dominate children’s daily lives, a silent crisis has emerged: screen addiction and mental health vulnerability. Surprisingly, the creators of these platforms themselves acknowledge these dangers and implement strict digital boundaries for their own families.
Neil Mohan, CEO of YouTube, openly shared that his children’s access to YouTube and social media is tightly controlled. During school days, screen time is severely limited, while weekends allow more flexibility but still under close supervision. Mohan admits the family rules aren’t perfect but emphasize a thoughtful balance between digital use and real life.
Why Tech Leaders Restrict Screen Time at Home
Mohan’s approach is part of a larger pattern among technology executives. Susan Wojcicki, former YouTube CEO, only permits her children to use YouTube Kids with daily screen time limits. Bill Gates banned smartphones for his children until age 14 and prohibited phones at the dining table. Mark Cuban employs network monitoring tools to track apps and can cut access when necessary.
These leaders help build addictive platforms designed to maximize user attention. Yet, paradoxically, they protect their own children from the very same digital traps. Their actions reflect a sober acknowledgment of the risks these technologies pose to youth.
Expert Warnings on Social Media and Youth Mental Health
Psychologists like Jonathan Haidt strongly warn against early social media use. Haidt recommends no smartphone for children under 14, and no social media use until at least 16 years old. He cites three major threats from social platforms on children’s well-being:
- Continuous social pressure without offline refuge
- Obsession with validation through likes and followers
- Exposure to harmful or misleading content
Multiple studies link intensive social media use in teens with increased anxiety, depression, sleep disturbances, and even suicidal thoughts, particularly among girls.
Government Actions Reflect Growing Concern
Recognizing the severity, governments are starting regulatory measures. From October 2025, Australia prohibits users under 16 from accessing major social media platforms such as Instagram, TikTok, and Snapchat. This law has significant public support but faces pushback from privacy advocates and tech companies.
Other countries like the UK, France, and Canada are exploring similar restrictions. Some U.S. states have banned push notifications for teenage users to reduce compulsive checking habits. These policies mark a clear shift, treating social media access similarly to substances with age-related restrictions.
Why Parental Involvement Remains Crucial
Despite available parental control tools like YouTube Kids and Google Family Link, platforms’ recommendation algorithms still prioritize engagement over child safety. Content farms produce low-quality automated videos that attract children with repetitive music and bright animations, often escaping moderation.
Technology cannot replace active parenting. According to Mohan, “Apps won’t set limits on their own.” Therefore, parents must take charge by:
- Setting clear digital usage rules
- Engaging children in conversations about online experiences
- Offering real-life alternatives such as outdoor play, reading, and family activities
Only through involved and informed parenting can children navigate digital spaces safely.
Understanding the mindset of top tech leaders offers valuable insight: restricting children’s unsupervised access to social media does not mean rejecting technology. Instead, it reflects a commitment to protecting young minds from its potential harms.
Parents today must recognize that unlimited digital freedom is not true freedom but neglect. Taking control and guiding children’s interactions with digital platforms is essential for their mental health and overall development.
