Expert comment: under 16s social media ban in the UK

Chair in Science Communication and Future Media at the University of Salford, Professor Andy Miah, comments: "Banning social media for under 16s is the worst possible reaction to concerns about harmful and unhealthy habits online. We’ve spent 20 years ignoring the risk; schools and parents haven’t known what to do, and this is a policy born out of desperation arising from the failure to be bold in guiding young people towards healthier and empowering habits during their time at school.

“We absolutely need more evidence to understand the impact of a ban but, in the absence of clear evidence, we need proactive interventions that support healthy online behaviour. What happens when a child turns 16? Are they just turned out into the Wild West of the internet and expected to protect themselves? I fear this ban is simply kicking the risk down the road and I’ve heard nothing about positively empowering young people to become more resilient to the risks. This should be the policy focus.  

“I don’t think we know enough about the impact of the policy, but we can be sure that the consequence is both impractical to enforce and stifling of open conversation. Habits of using digital platforms will go underground and, as such, we’ll know less about how children are using social media. 

“Also, the policy doesn’t get to grips with what social media is and this is a fundamental problem. For example, we know that young people are using AI like social media now and there’s even less known about that. 

“Obvious examples of risk arising from a ban include the young people who, currently, have their social network  through their digital worlds. Not everyone has a supportive friendship group in person and, while that may seem sad, removing social media access for such people means social isolation. So, we’ll likely see a number of mental health concerns arise as a result of this ban.

“Perhaps the biggest loss from this ban is the positive conversation we could be having about the remarkable technology that everyone has in their hands now. These powerful devices could be used to change the world and we’ve not had that conversation ever with children. It’s just been completely neglected."

Professor Vish Maheshwari, Professor of Marketing, University of Salford, adds: “Today's announcement of the UK Government’s ban on children's access to social media, potentially in effect from early 2027, represents a significant policy intervention aimed at addressing growing concerns regarding online safety, mental health and digital wellbeing. 

“On one hand, there is a genuine argument that restricting access could reduce exposure to cyberbullying, harmful content and addictive platform design features that may negatively affect young people's psychological and social development. However, from a critical viewpoint, it may limit opportunities for connection, self-expression, and access to educational and supportive online communities.

“The implications extend beyond children themselves. Parents may benefit from greater regulatory support in managing online risks, while social media companies would face increased compliance obligations, including robust age verification mechanisms and potential reductions in user engagement and advertising revenue.

“From a broader societal perspective, the proposal highlights the ongoing tension between child protection and digital participation. The effectiveness of such a policy will depend on its enforceability and whether it addresses the underlying causes of online harm, rather than merely restricting access. The debate, however, raises important questions about the role of government regulation, parental responsibility, and platform accountability in safeguarding young people in an increasingly digital society.”

Mirage Islam, Senior Lecturer in Digital Marketing, University of Salford, continues: “The UK Government's decision to ban social media for under 16s comes a little too late, tragically, but does offer a glimmer hope to try and stem the damage social media can have on young people, their minds and mental health. However, the decision comes at a point where industry is going through severe turbulence – technological innovation and the role of AI (artificial intelligence) in our everyday lives can have pros, as well as cons, and trying to decouple the role of AI on platforms, will make the decision to ban even harder. 

“Technology companies, who designed these platforms to be addictive, are streets ahead of the policymakers. So, policing this decision, especially when technology companies wield so much power, is going to be ever harder. 

“It's not just gen Z and millennials who are heavy users, it’s also gen alpha - in our busy lives, we’re increasingly seeing toddlers who know how to scroll to watch their favourite short form content. 

“At the end of the day, young people are smart and they will find a way if they want to - the government needs to create an always on task force, otherwise technological innovation will outpace legislation. 

“Additionally, new commercial ecosystems now exist as the world of work has changed due to social media. For the platforms and accounts that rely heavily on impressing young audiences, this is going to have an impact on the marketing and advertising industry, and the brands they represent. 

“I'm not sure the policymakers have the technology and commercial knowledge to enforce this decision. For all intents and purposes, the horse has already bolted.”