The UK government has announced plans to introduce a ban on social media use for children under the age of 16. This follows a consultation on the impact of social media on young people’s mental health, wellbeing and safety. It represents one of the most significant interventions in children’s online lives since the Online Safety Act.
The announcement has generated strong reactions. Many parents welcome the idea, arguing that social media companies have failed to create safe environments for children. Others question whether a ban will work in practice, or whether it risks oversimplifying a much more complex issue.
