Joe Swash Urges Social Media Ban for Children Under 16
TV star Joe Swash, known for his family-friendly content alongside wife Stacey Solomon, is championing a controversial cause: a complete ban on social media for children under the age of 16. Despite building a lucrative social media empire with over eight million followers, Swash argues that such a measure would make him feel safer and more at ease as a parent to his six children.
Parental Concerns Over Social Media Risks
In an exclusive interview, Swash expressed deep concerns about the dark side of social media, including exposure to harmful misinformation and cyberbullying. "As a parent, you spend your whole life trying to instill good values in your kids," he said. "It's unsettling to think that strangers online can fill their heads with things you have no control over." He emphasized that children need a thick skin to navigate these platforms, something his own kids may lack due to their limited experience.
Swash highlighted that a government-imposed ban would empower parents by providing a clear authority to limit usage. "If I told my kids to get off social media, they might resist, but if I said the government or police mandated it, that would be all I need," he explained. This stance comes as he and Solomon manage their younger children's exposure, with hopes for regulatory support.
Global Trends and UK Government Action
The call for a ban is not isolated. In December 2025, Australia became the first country to implement such a restriction for under-16s, with nations like Italy, Norway, Denmark, France, and Spain considering similar measures. Earlier this year, the UK government launched a consultation to explore banning social media for children under 16, reflecting growing international concern over digital safety for youth.
Swash supports these efforts, stating, "Kids are not kids for long, so let them be kids. They have a lifetime to be on their phones." He believes that delaying social media use allows children to enjoy their childhoods without the pressures and risks associated with online platforms.
Balancing Fame and Family Life
Despite their public personas, Swash and Solomon strive to maintain a balanced approach to parenting in the spotlight. Their BBC reality show, Stacey & Joe, features their family life, but Swash insists the children's participation is voluntary. "We've always kept it open—if they show interest, great, but there's no pressure if they don't," he said. This philosophy extends to shielding them from undue public scrutiny, as seen in recent debates sparked by Brooklyn Beckham's comments about famous parents.
Swash also credits batch cooking, showcased in his Channel 4 show Batch From Scratch: Cooking For Less, for reducing stress in their household. Collaborating with Suzanne Mulholland, he helps families save time and money through meal planning, a method that aids his ADHD by organizing tasks. "It gives me more space to breathe and lessens the mental load," he noted, adding that it strengthens his teamwork with the organized Stacey.
Ultimately, Swash's advocacy stems from a desire to protect children's well-being in an increasingly digital world. As global discussions on social media regulations intensify, his voice adds to the chorus calling for stricter safeguards for the younger generation.
