Young people, particularly those aged 16 to 18 in a south London school, argue that social media platforms like Snapchat, Instagram, and TikTok are central to their social lives. They say these apps help them connect with others, form friendships, and stay informed about the world. Many believe it is not the government’s role to impose bans on platforms that are deeply embedded in their daily routines.
At the same time, teenagers acknowledged the downsides. They reported feeling overwhelmed, experiencing exhaustion from prolonged usage, and facing risks such as cyberbullying and exposure to harmful content. Many also recognised that these platforms are designed to keep users engaged through addictive scrolling mechanisms.
The UK government has opened a public consultation process—set to close in May—to gather feedback on potential regulatory measures. The discussion comes as countries across Europe and beyond increasingly examine the impact of social media on children’s mental health and wellbeing.
However, experts remain divided on the effectiveness of outright bans. Amy Orben, a research professor at the University of Cambridge, emphasised the complexity of the digital environment, noting that its effects are dynamic and not easily addressed through blanket restrictions.
Similarly, Sonia Livingstone of the London School of Economics warned that a ban could be an overly simplistic solution to a multifaceted problem. She argued that policymakers risk targeting symptoms rather than root causes, suggesting stronger regulation of tech companies instead.
Enforcement also remains a significant challenge. Many teenagers pointed out that restrictions could be bypassed using tools like VPNs, potentially pushing users toward less regulated and more dangerous online spaces. Evidence from Australia indicates that compliance may be limited, with reports suggesting that a notable portion of under-16 users continued accessing social media even after restrictions were introduced.
The Ofcom, the UK’s communications regulator, previously reported that six in ten under-16s were already active on social media as of 2022, highlighting the scale of the issue.
Experts increasingly advocate for a “safety by design” approach—pressuring social media companies to redesign platforms in ways that reduce harm, rather than excluding young users entirely. This includes addressing algorithm-driven content that can promote unhealthy behaviours or excessive screen time.
As the debate continues, the UK faces a complex policy challenge: balancing the protection of young users with their growing reliance on digital spaces for social interaction and self-expression.
