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A new survey indicates strong public support for regulating social media access for young people in Switzerland, with a majority viewing platforms as a risk rather than a benefit.
A comprehensive new survey of 1,001 residents in German and French-speaking Switzerland reveals a widespread perception of social media as a danger to children and young people. Conducted by the online research institute Marketagent and released on January 13, 2026, the study found that 80 percent of respondents believe social media is “somewhat” or “very dangerous” for youth, while only 20 percent consider it safe. The findings coincide with growing international efforts to protect minors online, including bans and restrictions being considered in Australia and France.
A Generation Gap in Risk Perception
While concerns are nearly universal, the survey highlights nuanced perspectives across age groups. Younger respondents (ages 14-19) are more likely to perceive Instagram as risky – 70 percent – compared to older respondents (ages 60-69) at 42 percent. However, the overall sentiment remains consistent: a strong desire to safeguard young people in the digital realm.
TikTok Identified as the Most Problematic Platform
The study pinpointed TikTok as the platform of greatest concern,with 76 percent of those surveyed identifying it as particularly risky for children and young people.Snapchat and Instagram followed closely, each flagged as problematic by 51 percent of respondents. X/Twitter and Facebook garnered criticism from 39 percent,while YouTube was seen as risky by 24 percent.
Demand for Legal Age Limits Gains Momentum
The overwhelming concern about potential harms has fueled a strong call for regulation. A significant 83 percent of those surveyed support a legal minimum age for social media use,with an average preferred age of 15 years. This support transcends generational divides, with both younger and older demographics expressing similar levels of agreement. “For many people, a minimum age is an crucial building block in order to better protect children and young people and enable them to use social networks responsibly,” the survey report states.
The question of who should enforce a minimum age revealed a shared responsibility model. Parents were identified as having the primary role by 43 percent of respondents, followed by the platforms themselves (23 percent) and the state (19 percent). Though, a substantial 64 percent of respondents expressed distrust in social media providers’ ability to reliably verify users’ ages. This skepticism underscores the need for a multi-faceted approach, with parents actively involved in monitoring their children’s online activity, while platforms and policymakers establish effective safeguards.
The survey data suggests a growing consensus that proactive measures are needed to mitigate the risks associated with social media use among children and young people, and that a legal minimum age is a crucial step toward fostering a safer online environment.
Why: the survey was conducted to gauge public opinion on the impact of social media on youth in Switzerland, specifically regarding perceived risks and potential regulations.
Who: The survey involved 1,001 residents of German and French-speaking Switzerland,representing a range of age groups. The study was conducted by Marketagent, an online research institute.
What: The survey revealed that 80% of Swiss residents view social media as dangerous for young people,with TikTok,snapchat,and Instagram identified as the most problematic platforms. A significant 83% support a legal minimum age of 15 for social media use.
How did it end?: The
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