A recent survey revealed that a majority of voters in the UK are in favor of implementing an Australia-style prohibition on social media access for children under the age of 16. The Australian model, which has already been put into effect, restricts young individuals from using various platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, Twitter, YouTube, Reddit, Kick, and Twitch. According to a poll conducted by Mirror, 64% of respondents support a similar ban for under-16s, while only 19% oppose the idea.
Joani Reid, a Scottish Labour MP and Chair of the Children’s Online Safety APPG, expressed concerns about the current approach, stating that it is failing children. She emphasized the need for action to address the negative impact of unregulated social media on young individuals. Reid highlighted the proactive stance taken by Australia in prioritizing the well-being of youngsters over the interests of tech corporations and urged the UK to consider a ban for under-16s as a safeguarding measure rather than a form of control.
Various advocates, including the mother of the late teenager Brianna Ghey, have called for restrictions on social media use by teenagers, citing instances of harmful content leading to tragic outcomes. Additionally, there have been appeals to prevent children from accessing dangerous material online, as highlighted by Ian Russell, whose daughter Molly faced a tragic fate due to exposure to harmful content on social media.
Despite initial efforts by Children’s Minister Josh MacAlister to propose a ban for under-16s through a Private Member’s Bill, the government later diluted the proposal to secure broader support. Labour MP Jess Asato supported MacAlister’s bill and emphasized the multitude of risks associated with unrestricted social media access for children, including mental health issues and exposure to violent content.
While some politicians like Keir Starmer have expressed reservations about a blanket ban, there is growing pressure for the UK government to consider similar measures to those adopted by Australia. Daisy Greenwell, a director at Smartphone Free Childhood, emphasized the need for regulation to protect children from the addictive nature of social media and its potential harms.
In contrast, the NSPCC acknowledged the benefits of social media for young people but cautioned against blanket bans, citing concerns about pushing teenagers towards unmonitored online spaces. Chief Executive Chris Sherwood emphasized the importance of balanced measures to protect teenagers online without infringing on their rights.
The government responded to public opinion by stating that while there are no immediate plans for a blanket ban, they are monitoring international developments, particularly in Australia. The government highlighted existing measures under the Online Safety Act aimed at safeguarding minors from harmful online content while enabling them to safely navigate the digital landscape.
Conducted by Deltapoll, a survey of 1,997 British adults indicated widespread support for restrictions on social media access for children under 16. The data collected were weighted to ensure representativeness of the British adult population.