The UK Government has announced its intention to ban some of the most popular social media platforms for under 16’s as of early 2027. This follows in the footsteps of Australia’s decision to do the same late last year. The implications of these actions are more complex than they appear to be and divide people’s opinion.
It’s interesting to consider, that we are finally heading towards allowing 16 year olds to vote in elections, while our sitting Government is taking away a channel for political communication. How will this impact positively and negatively on young people next year? How will it make a difference and who will be affected?
When the news dropped on Monday 15 June, Somerset Youth Parliament members had a great conversation over WhatsApp on the social media ban…
ML– I’ve spoken about this with my boyfriend and although I wish social media could be more regulated when I first started using it, I don’t think a ban would solve the problem, whilst we still have access to VPN’s. You can already see children as young as 10 yrs old lying about their age to make an Instagram account.
DE– I think it’s not the best idea because it will cause lots of complications in the long run for young people, parents and the Government. But I’m very interested in how the Labour Government go about this sensitive topic.
CL– Stricter rules create sneakier children, it’s a tale as old as time. I don’t think it will do anything but push kids who previously had access to social media – and now don’t – towards the wrong websites.
JD– I think it’s a great idea!
DE– Are you saying that because it doesn’t affect you because you’re already 16 or do you think it’s actually great?
JD– Nah I don’t really use much social media that much and I can see a really big negative impact in the people that do. For example, my brother spends all day on his phone and hasn’t revised for his A-Levels. In that kind of situation, it’s important that parents and Governments protect children and young people – although parents should be the first line of protection from social media.
CL– I mean for myself, I’m not overly fussed. I’m not massively on Instagram, a bit miffed about Snapchat but I’ve only got a year until I’m 16 myself.
I think it’s an interesting move though, especially as 14-15 year olds will be able to vote in the next election – if I’m getting my years right – I think as a whole it’ll leave an impact where they don’t feel like the Labour Government is working for them as a party, and I’ll be interested to see how this impacts the way they vote.
I probably could have worded that slightly better. In short I think it’ll shift the narrative to a direction where young people see the Government as a villain. At this age, understanding of the Government for many, is basically a macrocosm of a family, and teenagers are naturally annoyed when their parents put more restrictions on their freedoms that weren’t previously there.
WB– My friends and I were talking a bit about it yesterday because there’s also a potential for curfew of 8.30pm for under 18’s and we all think that’s a bit ridiculous. I think the government could be focussing on more ways to protect children
RM – The decision was made without any consideration from the youth perspective
ML – Interesting at ITV West today, we’ve covered a story about this from another perspective. Without going into detail a mother lost her son to a dangerous Social Media challenge and so this seems to be an act driven by parents who feel they have little control. Do YOU think this ban gives parents more control or creates sneakier kids?
CK – I’d argue that although adults are responsible for the strife of children on the internet, the government know they can’t do anything to them in the way of a ban, so they’re choosing not to remove the problem but instead targeting those affected. We’re essentially an easy way out.
And from a conversation with members on Wednesday 17 June…
BN– I think that the social media ban for under 16s could have a negative impact on young people because, if they face issues online, their parents may blame them for being on social media in the first place. This could isolate young people and make them more vulnerable.
RM– I don’t mind too much apart from the possibility of losing my YouTube music – it will be such a pain finding another way to access it. Most kids watch music or creative or funny stuff but sometimes bad things happen so it should be regulated more instead of being banned. It will also affect my hobbies and team competitions- we won’t be able to promote it and encourage people to attend or support it in the way we do now.
I also think that it’s going to make things worse for children as they won’t be able to talk about stuff with parents – stuff they’ve seen, or they’re not sure about. I know not all children have the best family or relationships with parents and might not talk about stuff anyway, but this could make it worse.
MZ- I agree, it will impact on my hobbies outside of school too – in terms of keeping up with events and letting everyone know what’s going on.
SB- The thing is young people will be losing all the ‘good stuff’ social media can offer in terms of education and access to learning, making connections and the possibilities. Young people are so much better at this than adults which is understandable but there should be education around it rather than banning it. It’s taking away our freedom.
What do you think about the social media ban?
We’re sure the conversation will continue as we get closer to changes coming into place. We want to know what you think more than anything else! What are your views on the social media ban, will it affect you and if so, how?
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