Hollywood superstar Chris Pratt has publicly endorsed Australia's pioneering move to ban social media access for teenagers under the age of 16. The actor, known for blockbuster roles in Guardians of the Galaxy and Jurassic World, labelled the upcoming restrictions a 'smart move' and expressed hope other nations would follow suit.
Pratt's Strong Stance on Protecting Children
Speaking ahead of the new regulations that commence on December 10, 2025, Pratt voiced his firm support. The ban will block access for under-16s to major platforms including Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Snapchat, X, YouTube, Reddit, Twitch, Kick, and Threads.
"I hope you're not the last," Pratt said, acknowledging Australia as the first country to implement such rules. While generally resistant to imposing restrictions, he made a clear exception for young people. "When it comes to kids, I think it's important to protect them. And so as much as I believe in liberty, I also believe that protecting kids from social media is really, really important."
A 'No-Screens' Family Philosophy
The actor, who shares a 13-year-old son with ex-wife Anna Faris and three children under six with his current wife Katherine Schwarzenegger, practices what he preaches. Pratt revealed his household is a 'no screens family'.
"None of my kids are on screens," he stated. "My 13-year-old really wants a phone and I won't let him have one. I'm trying to extend that period of their life where they're not influenced by the passive algorithm-driven entertainment."
He issued a stark warning about the business model of social media giants, comparing user attention to a precious resource. "Data's become the most valuable commodity in the world. Our attention is the new veins of gold and oil for the world."
Personal Experience and a Cautionary Film
Pratt's perspective comes from personal experience as a prolific social media user, with over 44 million Instagram followers. He admits his relationship with platforms has "evolved," using them to promote work and share his faith, but he recognises their dual nature.
"It's a two-edged sword," he explained. "I think the line between good and evil runs through the heart of every man and that makes social media both incredibly dangerous and incredibly powerful to do wonderful things as well. It depends on who wields it."
His upcoming sci-fi thriller, Mercy, which opens on January 24, explores related themes of artificial intelligence dangers and a surveillance-saturated future, partly driven by the personal data people share online.
By backing Australia's teen social media ban, Chris Pratt adds a powerful celebrity voice to the global debate on digital safety for children, framing it as a necessary protection in an age where attention is ruthlessly commodified.
