Dr. Pamela Wisniewski joined the Revolution.Social Podcast to discuss why banning young people from social media may not be the answer to protecting them online.
In the conversation, Wisniewski challenges access-restriction approaches to youth online safety, arguing that blanket bans can push teens toward riskier spaces while limiting access to important sources of social connection and support.
The discussion explores why anonymity can be critical for young people seeking help and what research examining Instagram direct messages reveals about peer support and conversations around self-harm.
Wisniewski emphasizes the need to move beyond simply restricting young people’s access and toward designing online environments that better support their safety, privacy, autonomy, and resilience.
Watch the full conversation: Banning Kids From Social Media Isn’t the Answer