Following Australia’s first-of-its-kind ban on social media for under-16s, and with more than two dozen countries around the world proposing similar bans, new global research from Family First, a Varkey Foundation initiative, revealed that 39% of Nigerian parents support such measures.
Data reveals similar results to their children, with just 36% of 9- to 18-year-olds backing a ban, the smallest generational gap globally. Strikingly, a majority of Gen Z respondents worldwide (51%) support banning social media for under-16s – particularly noteworthy given they are the first generation to have grown up with social media from childhood.
In Nigeria, support among Gen Z decreases to 41%.
The findings come from the world’s first global intergenerational study of family bonding, surveying children, parents, Gen Z and grandparents, with the full results published in June by Family First. This will feature the world’s first Family Bonding Index, which assigns countries a score based on the strength of family connections.
The initial results, launched today, highlight differences between generations in their views on banning social media for under-16s in their respective countries.
Family First is a global movement launched by the Varkey Foundation to strengthen intergenerational bonds between children, parents and grandparents, with the aim of building stronger communities across generations. Launched by Sunny Varkey, founder of GEMS Education, the movement reflects a longstanding commitment to fostering strong family values and encouraging greater support between children and parents, contributing to healthier and longer lives. It is rooted in the belief that education goes far beyond academic achievement – it shapes values and develops not only students but also future parents, future leaders, and stronger societies.
Among the countries surveyed, support is highest in Malaysia (77%), India (75%), and France (74%). Japan records the lowest level of support at 38%, followed by Nigeria (39%) and the US (51%).
The data reveals a divide between parents and children throughout the world. Though in Nigeria, there is only a 3-point gap between children and their parents when it comes to support for banning social media for under-16s. Australia has the widest generational gap globally (34 points), followed by Sweden (33 points) and Canada (32 points).
In Nigeria, 41% of Gen Z – the first true digital natives – support a social media ban for under-16s, compared to 51% globally. Support for the ban is highest in India (73%) and UAE (67%), and lowest in Japan (28%), UK and Canada (both 40%)
Globally, only 37% of children support a ban on social media for under-16s. Support among young people is highest in Malaysia (62%), India (62%), and China (50%). It is lowest in Japan (20%), Argentina, and Sweden (both 26%).
The research also showed that 41% of Gen Z in Nigeria support a social media ban for under-16s. This compares to 51% globally. Support for the ban is highest in India (73%), the UAE (67%), and Malaysia (65%) and lowest in Japan (28%), the UK, and Canada (both 40%).
Sunny Varkey, Founder of Family First and the Varkey Foundation, said: “This research highlights a growing tension many families are experiencing in the digital age. Parents throughout the world are increasingly concerned about the impact social media may be having on their children. Our aim with Family First is not simply to debate bans, but to start a broader conversation about how technology is shaping family relationships and the values young people grow up with. If we want stronger families tomorrow, we must help children develop healthy relationships with technology today.”