We must be alive to the dangers of a UK social media ban – and the way to really help young people | Rosie Parkyn

The UK prime minister announced a proposal on Monday to ban social media use for individuals under 16, a move intended to protect children from potential exploitation and excessive screen time. While the intention to safeguard young people is understandable, evidence from Australia, which enacted similar legislation in December 2025, suggests limited effectiveness. A study in Australia found that two-thirds of young people retained their social media accounts despite the ban, and 51% of those most impacted reported seeing less news. This demographic reportedly obtains most of its information through social media platforms. The author argues that a ban alone is insufficient and could exacerbate issues, advocating instead for increased educational content and financial investment in digital literacy programs. This approach aims to foster a healthier relationship with technology and better equip young people to navigate the online world, rather than simply restricting access. The current strategy risks failing to address the root causes of harm and may inadvertently isolate young people from important information sources.