A large majority of Swiss residents support banning social media use for children under the age of 16, according to a new survey. Conducted by the Sotomo research institute, the study found

that about 80% of respondents back such a restriction.

The survey also revealed strong backing for banning mobile phones in schools, reflecting widespread concern over children's online safety. In fact, 85% of participants believe children are not adequately informed about the risks of using the internet.

Many parents feel ill-equipped to protect their children online—roughly one-third of those surveyed admitted they are unable to safeguard their kids effectively.

Concerns highlighted in the report include cyberbullying (cited by 43% of respondents), cybergrooming—where children are manipulated online for sexual purposes (40%)—and exposure to sexual content (37%). Additionally, more than one-third of participants see excessive internet use among minors as a serious issue.

The survey, part of Sotomo’s Cyber Worry Monitor, was carried out between February 26 and March 10, 2025, and included around 1,700 adults from both the German-speaking and French-speaking regions of Switzerland.

Swiss lawmakers are currently examining possible regulations to limit children’s access to social media platforms like TikTok and Instagram in an effort to mitigate these risks. Photo by Today Testing, Wikimedia commons.