Teenager's Plea: Don't Ban Social Media for Under-16s, It's a Vital Tool
When discussions turn to social media use among teenagers, the conversation often fixates on extreme and alarming stories. While these accounts deserve attention, it is crucial to hear from the majority of young people who maintain normal, well-managed relationships with platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and Snapchat. George Deanus, a 14-year-old, argues that the problem is not with children but with out-of-touch adults who fail to recognise how the online world enriches young lives.
A Balanced Approach to Social Media
George and his friends demonstrate a healthy engagement with social media, adhering to agreements set with their parents, even when those rules feel irritating. On Instagram, George uses the platform positively, aiding his English revision and exploring interests such as recipes, TV and film reviews, and travel destinations. He shares photos only after consulting his parents, and his peers avoid posting controversial content.
For this generation, social media is the primary means of communication and social organisation. Plans are frequently coordinated via WhatsApp and Snapchat; his 17-year-old brother, for instance, would struggle to maintain a social life without Snapchat. Removing these tools abruptly would fracture bonds and hinder communication, as they have become ingrained social norms for young people who have grown up with them.
Political Moves and Parental Concerns
Prime Minister Keir Starmer has indicated he will fast-track a social media ban to preempt a rebellion by Labour MPs. He stated, "As a dad of two teenagers, I know the challenges and worries parents face making sure their kids are safe online. Technology is moving really fast, and the law has got to keep up." However, George challenges the notion that social media cannot be effectively controlled.
He attributes his positive experience to collaboration with his parents and adherence to their limits. Since they fund his phone, he respects their rules. The family uses an app that restricts endless scrolling, monitors content, and flags potentially harmful material. While his parents rarely scrutinise his communications, they review flagged words, phrases, or images. This oversight, though occasionally annoying, fosters safety and encourages mindful online behaviour.
Practical Limits and Healthy Habits
Most of George's friends operate under similar constraints, which not only promote caution but also cultivate thoughtful digital conduct. A key rule is keeping phones out of bedrooms at night, eliminating the temptation to scroll and ensuring uninterrupted sleep. George plans to maintain this practice through his GCSE years and beyond, emphasising that designated phone-free time significantly enhances overall wellbeing.
Teenagers often face unfair stereotypes, but George's habits mirror those of his peers. When added to undesirable groups or exposed to uncomfortable content, he simply exits the chat. Through trust-building with his parents and self-imposed limits, he has avoided toxic or damaging online situations. Open dialogues about potential dangers have equipped him to steer clear of upsetting experiences.
The Risk of Unrestricted Access
George acknowledges that teenagers with unlimited, unsupervised access—able to scroll endlessly or be contacted by anyone—are more vulnerable to trouble or harm. Yet, he and his friends exemplify normal adolescents who use social media responsibly, making sound choices independently and with parental guidance.
He contends that banning social media for under-16s is unnecessary and urges policymakers to consider the experiences of millions of teenagers who use these platforms healthily, with appropriate boundaries. With measures like scrolling limits, open parent-teen conversations, nighttime phone restrictions, and skills to avoid toxic content, social media can serve as a valuable tool for socialising and communication without causing harm.
