UK Teenagers Voice Concerns Over Potential Social Media Ban for Under-16s

'I can't stop using it' - under-16s have their say on possible social media ban

Young people gathered in north-west England shared their perspectives on whether social media should be restricted or banned entirely for those under 16, as MPs rejected such measures for the third time this week.

Thirty-three students aged 12-18 participated in a BBC News debate at the Bolton Lads & Girls Club on Wednesday afternoon to discuss the contentious issue of social media regulation for minors in the United Kingdom.

Young Users Acknowledge Addiction Concerns

Isaac, 13, admitted to spending approximately four hours daily on TikTok, consuming content about football, superheroes and gaming. Despite enjoying the platform, he recognizes exposure to disturbing material and would implement stricter content controls if given the opportunity to influence policy.

Iga, 14, described witnessing videos where users openly discuss suicidal thoughts and mental health struggles. "The problem is that you can see more than you should," she explained, expressing concern that younger children might replicate harmful behaviours observed online.

Maisie, also 14, characterized certain platform features as deliberately addictive. She highlighted how autoplay and infinite scrolling function to capture user attention and distract from healthier activities. The teenager advocated for disabling these mechanisms rather than imposing complete bans.

Proposed Alternative Measures Under Review

The UK government is conducting a public consultation examining various approaches to protect children from harmful online content, including violence, misogyny, self-harm promotion and eating disorder material. Rather than outright prohibition, consultation options include:

• Disabling autoplay and infinite scrolling features
• Implementing mandatory overnight curfews to improve sleep
• Strengthening age verification systems
• Restricting access to AI chatbots

Education Minister Olivia Bailey indicated that the question remains not whether intervention occurs, but how it should be structured. Opposition shadow education secretary Laura Trott countered that the government must act decisively, warning that parents will "not forgive the continued delay."

International Context and Effectiveness Questions

Australia implemented a comprehensive ban six months ago, prohibiting under-16s from creating new social media accounts on ten major platforms including TikTok, YouTube and Instagram. However, research by the Molly Rose Foundation found that 61% of Australian users aged 12-15 who previously accessed social media maintained account access despite the restrictions.

Iga expressed skepticism about replicating Australia's approach in the UK, predicting that "everyone [would find] a way round it."

Nuanced Youth Perspectives

Peace, 15, supported strengthened age verification but rejected complete prohibition. She emphasized that social media enables communication with friends, entertainment and access to role models. "I like inspirational [content]. I look up to people and I see them on social media achieving great things," she noted.

Iga proposed a compromise position, suggesting restrictions for under-13s while permitting access for older teenagers focused on academic pursuits.

Emerging AI-Related Concerns

The consultation also addresses risks associated with AI chatbots, with some parents reporting that these tools provided harmful advice to vulnerable children. Iga expressed particular alarm about generative AI's capacity to create non-consensual intimate imagery. "It's disgusting to even hear about people doing that," she stated.

The government indicated it would release consultation findings during summer and subsequently determine appropriate protective measures.

"Because it's so much of my day, I can't just stop using it." - Maisie, 14