Teens react to Starmer’s UK social media ban for under-16s: the ‘right thing’ but ‘unlikely to make much difference’
Young people say banning under-16s from social media is “the right thing to do” but share concerns about how effective the new laws will be.
Sir Keir Starmer announced sweeping changes to the way children access online spaces as he vowed to crack down on what he called a “failing system” in a speech on Monday morning.
He said the government would move to ban children from most social media platforms, including Snapchat, TikTok, YouTube, Instagram, Facebook and X, from spring next year.
The Prime Minister acknowledged the ban would not be perfect but said he was “not prepared to compromise on the safety and happiness of our children”.
A recent government consultation found more than six in 10 young people support restrictions on harmful social media features. Meanwhile, almost three in four (72 percent) are worried about feeling left out if restrictions are imposed.
Hollie, 13, said she believed the ban was “the right thing to do” but was worried about how it would be enforced.
“I think the social media ban is a good thing in general, but I think it would be quite difficult to enforce this rule because a lot of people might disagree with it because they want to protect their social media,” he said.
His views were also expressed by mother Michela, who has a 17-year-old daughter. He said he believed the ban sent a “good message” to tech companies but was not expected to make much of a difference in practice.
“I think this is a good message: big tech companies need to be regulated and held accountable,” he said. Independent.
He added: “From a practical standpoint it won’t make much difference. Kids will lie about their age and use it anyway, but at least they know they shouldn’t and hopefully they’ll think more about why that is. Social media is addictive and should be treated as such.”
Nancy, 15, said she believed the ban was “actually very positive” for children her age. “I know a lot of people, especially young people, probably won’t be happy with it and it will be difficult to enforce the rules,” he acknowledged.
“But I think it’s a really good thing because social media can bring up all kinds of bad things like bullying and a lot of things can be fake and really addictive. I feel like it can mess with people’s brains and their development as well.”
But 14-year-old Olivia said that while she supported some restrictions, she believed children should be taught to use social media in a “positive” way rather than face a ban.
“I find it addictive and distracting at times, I use it mostly for communication and sometimes for revision when I have exams and things like that,” he said. Independent.
“So instead of banning social media, I think schools or parents should teach under-16s how to use social media in a safe and positive way.”
Lucy generally agreed: “As a 16-year-old who grew up with social media, I think there are positives and negatives to it,” she said. “My friends and I use this as our main form of communication, although I find myself scrolling for longer than I should.
“Social media has definitely helped me expand my network of friends because once I have someone on Snapchat it’s so easy to contact them.”
He added: “I think young people should be ready for social media by the age of 14, with parental guidance. I’ve had many conversations over the years at school and from my family, which has educated me on the impact it can have and how I should never talk to people I don’t know.”
Sir Keir told a press conference on Monday: “Today is a big moment for our country. This is a big step, a real change for our children and our future.”
The father of two added: “I come to this as a parent myself. I know very well the fears we all feel when we think about this subject.
“All I want with all my heart for my own children is for them to be happy and safe, and I think that’s what every parent wants.
“But now I ask the question: Do we really believe that social media creates a happy environment for our children?”
