Response to the UK Government’s consultation on social media ban for U-16s
Our response to the UK Government’s consultation on social media ban for U-16s.
The UK Government has launched a national consultation on children and young people’s experiences online, including proposals to introduce restrictions on social media use for under-16s as part of wider efforts to improve online safety.
As part of our response to the consultation, we have been speaking to our members and also directly with children and young people about their experiences online and their views on proposals for stronger restrictions.
Young people told us their experiences of social media are mixed. Many described exposure to harmful content, misogyny and unhealthy online environments. At the same time, they also spoke about the role online spaces play in helping them access support, maintain friendships, build communities and find information.
“You can see a load of unpleasant things and think that is how it is normal to treat other people “
“I want young people to feel safe online”
“I want to help work towards a way to filter content to make it safe for young people”
“Helps you learn things outside of your current bubble “
“As a young person, I learnt about race issues “
“I am still friends with people I met online when I was 15. ‘I would have killed myself if I wasn’t online’
“The answer isn’t ‘online is bad,’ it is ‘teenagers need help’
“They will find a way around it, then they just won’t tell adults”
In our response to the consultation, we welcome further action to protect children and young people online with our calls for strengthening protections for young people online, the removal of features that are designed to keep users hooked and holding tech companies to account. We also highlight the need for stronger expectations around social media company compliance with existing and future regulation, given persistent concerns about inconsistent enforcement.
However, we do not believe a blanket ban on social media for under-16s will sufficiently address the causes of online harm or improve young people’s safety online on its own.
We are particularly concerned that young people are likely to find ways around restrictions as they do at present. We also are concerned that a ban does not address nor mitigate the production of harmful content including platform design features that result in negative experiences online. A ban does not help children, young people or adults develop the knowledge and skills needed to navigate these digital spaces safely.
We also believe it is important to recognise why many young people spend significant amounts of time online. Children and young people told us that social media can sometimes fill gaps where there are limitations in life such as access to activities, low-cost opportunities for connection and accessing timely support.
We propose looking at the issue through the lens of a public health approach, including:
- Stronger regulation of technology companies
- Action to tackle harmful and misogynistic content
- Greater accountability for addictive platform features
- Improved digital literacy and online safety education for children, young people, parents and carers.
- Investment in offline services and youth spaces so that young people can build relationships, access support and thrive both online and offline
Click here to read Children in Scotland’s full consultation response.
