Nine in 10 UK parents support an under-16 social media ban, but a group of 12- to 16-year-olds in west London expressed mixed views, ranging from mandatory time limits to a full ban. The government consultation on children's online safety, due to report next week, is considering an under-16 age limit for 'high-risk' platforms and restrictions on features like livestreaming.
Precisa, 13, who runs a deodorant business on TikTok and Instagram, opposes a blanket ban, arguing it would harm her enterprise. Instead, she wants tougher monitoring of harmful content and screen time limits. Zoe, 14, whose parents restrict her to Snapchat and WhatsApp, believes parental controls are sufficient and opposes a ban, calling personalised algorithms an 'invasion of privacy.'
Four 12-year-olds in the group primarily use YouTube, though none are fans of YouTube Kids. Sophia, 12, says she would 'miss a lot' if YouTube were banned for under-16s, as in Australia. Milei, 12, prefers the government not be 'too drastic.' However, Kit, 12, supports an Australia-style ban, calling social media 'addictive' and damaging to mental health.
Xander, 14, who does not own a smartphone, opposes a ban due to educational benefits but says parents should manage usage. He warns a 'sudden' crackdown would be rejected by peers, leading to workarounds as seen in Australia. Blair, 12, suggests allowing most apps but not all, as some are 'unsafe.'
