{"id":1743450,"date":"2026-02-03T11:24:00","date_gmt":"2026-02-03T08:24:00","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/?p=1743450"},"modified":"2026-02-03T11:24:00","modified_gmt":"2026-02-03T08:24:00","slug":"is-a-social-media-ban-the-answer-5-experts-weigh-in","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/?p=1743450","title":{"rendered":"Is a social media ban the answer? 5 experts weigh-in"},"content":{"rendered":"<article class=\"main-article standard \">\n<div class=\"article-main-content article-wrapper has-media-but-its-an-image\" data-status=\"loaded\" data-primary-article=\"true\" data-url=\"\/life-culture\/article\/69512\/1\/experts-unpack-the-under-16-social-media-ban-smartphones-big-tech-addiction\" data-article-id=\"69512\">\n<header class=\"article-header has-landscape-image no-media\">\n<div class=\"wrapper dg-max-width\">\n<div class=\"inner\">\n<figure class=\"main-img has-figcaption\" data-img-aspect-ratio-type=\"landscape\" data-img-aspect-ratio=\"1.67\" data-template=\"Standard Article\"><span class=\"has-css-custom-props image-container\" data-aspect-ratio-type=\"landscape\"><span class=\"preserve-aspect-ratio\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" alt=\"2732\" class=\"img\" height=\"720\" src=\"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/1435862-1.jpg\" width=\"1200\" title=\"1435862-1\"><\/span><\/span><figcaption class=\"img-caption\"><span class=\"inner\"><span class=\"credit\">Parasite (Film still)<\/span><\/span><\/figcaption><\/figure>\n<aside class=\"meta\">\n<div class=\"inner\"><time datetime=\"2026-02-03T11:24:00+00:00\" class=\"timestamp\" title=\"03 February 2026\"><span class=\"month\">February<\/span>\u00a0<br \/>\n<span class=\"day\" data-day=\"3\">3,<\/span>\u00a0<br \/>\n<span class=\"year\">2026<\/span><\/time><\/div>\n<\/aside>\n<div class=\"titles\">\n<div class=\"tags\">\n<div class=\"sections\"><a class=\"category vertical - life-culture\" href=\"https:\/\/www.dazeddigital.com\/life-culture\">Life &amp; Culture<\/a><br \/>\n\/<br \/>\n<a class=\"series\" href=\"https:\/\/www.dazeddigital.com\/ask-an-expert\">Ask an expert<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"standard-tag-container\"><a class=\"standard-category\" href=\"https:\/\/www.dazeddigital.com\/life-culture\">Life &amp; Culture<\/a> \/<br \/>\n<a class=\"standard-series\" href=\"https:\/\/www.dazeddigital.com\/ask-an-expert\">Ask an expert<\/a><\/div>\n<h1 class=\"title\"><span>Is a social media ban the answer? 5 <span class=\"nowrap\">experts weigh-in<\/span><\/span><\/h1>\n<div class=\"standfirst\">\n<h2>UK politicians are pushing for a social media ban for under-16s, but experts warn that banning platforms could create <span class=\"nowrap\">new risks<\/span><\/h2>\n<\/div>\n<p><time datetime=\"2026-02-03T11:24:00+00:00\" class=\"timestamp\" title=\"03 February 2026\"><span class=\"month\">February<\/span>\u00a0<br \/>\n<span class=\"day\" data-day=\"3\">3,<\/span>\u00a0<br \/>\n<span class=\"year\">2026<\/span><\/time><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p><time datetime=\"2026-02-03T11:24:00+00:00\" class=\"timestamp\" title=\"03 February 2026\"><span class=\"month\">February<\/span>\u00a0<br \/>\n<span class=\"day\" data-day=\"3\">3,<\/span>\u00a0<br \/>\n<span class=\"year\">2026<\/span><\/time><\/p>\n<div class=\"providers\">\n<div class=\"contributors\"><span class=\"contributor\" data-contributor-role=\"Text\"><span class=\"contributor-role\">Text<\/span><a class=\"contributor-name\" href=\"https:\/\/www.dazeddigital.com\/user\/SerenaSmith\">Serena Smith<\/a><\/span><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/header>\n<div class=\"article-body-container\">\n<div class=\"article-body wrapper\">\n<div class=\"embed-content\" data-embed-type=\"raw-html\">\n<p><span>For years now, anxieties over social media\u2019s impact on young people have been mounting. Unsurprisingly so: a growing body of evidence suggests that excessive use of platforms like TikTok and Instagram can cause a number of troubling effects, from poor mental health to reduced cognitive function. Plus, with the rise of generative AI, much of social media is now awash with computer-generated content which is increasingly difficult to identify as fake.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span>In light of this, policymakers around the world have started taking drastic action against the escalating crisis: notably, in December 2025, <\/span><span>Australia implemented a ban on social media access for children under 16. The new law means that m<\/span><span>ajor companies \u2013 including <\/span><span>TikTok<\/span><span>, Meta, X, and more \u2013 must ensure under-16s do not have accounts on their platforms, with fines of up to $49.5 million (AUD) for failure to comply.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span>Calls to implement a similar law in the UK are now rapidly gaining traction. <\/span><span>Prime Minister <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.theguardian.com\/politics\/2026\/jan\/13\/keir-starmer-tells-mps-he-is-open-to-australian-style-social-media-ban\"><span>Keir Starmer<\/span><\/a><span> has told MPs he is \u201copen\u201d to adopting an Australia-style ban,<\/span><span> while Tory leader <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.bbc.co.uk\/news\/articles\/cx2wyeqw3gpo\"><span>Kemi Badenoch<\/span><\/a><span> recently promised that a Conservative government wouldn\u2019t hesitate to implement a ban. According to recent YouGov polling, <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/yougov.co.uk\/topics\/technology\/survey-results\/daily\/2025\/12\/02\/12c49\/2\"><span>around 75 per cent of the British public would support children being banned from social media<\/span><\/a><span>.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span>On the surface, it\u2019s easy to see why the idea is proving popular: it\u2019s clear that <\/span><em><span>something<\/span><\/em><span> must be done to stop young, vulnerable people becoming addicted to social media platforms and accessing harmful content online. But is an under-16 social media ban really the panacea it\u2019s being made out to be? Below, we speak to experts about the pros and cons of the proposals.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2 data-innertext=\"nick couldry, author and professor of media, communications, and social theory emeritus at lse\"><span>NICK COULDRY, AUTHOR AND PROFESSOR OF MEDIA, COMMUNICATIONS, AND SOCIAL THEORY EMERITUS AT LSE<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span>A social media ban for under-16s<\/span><em><span>might<\/span><\/em><span> temporarily, and to some degree, protect some young people from the harmful content on social media. <\/span><span>There are however clear drawbacks. First, it is a ban targeted only at specific platforms, so it may push young people to other platforms that are not subject to the ban and under even less regulatory scrutiny. Second, there may be easy workarounds, for example via VPNs. Third, it appears to target young people, which is unfortunate, since the problem of social media was <\/span><em><span>not<\/span><\/em><span> created by young people, and there are manifestly some benefits also from being connected with other young people. Fourth (and most fundamentally), people over 16 also suffer from harms due to social media, but their situation is not considered.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span>The age-related social media ban targets just one symptom, rather than the core, of the problem with social media. The core problem is that we have delegated to private businesses the design and management of our main spaces for being social. Their business models are designed to extract profit from our social interactions. The basic conditions of social interactions \u2013 <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.politybooks.com\/bookdetail?book_slug=the-space-of-the-world-can-human-solidarity-survive-social-media-and-what-if-it-cant--9781509554720\"><span>what I call in a recent book \u2018the space of the world\u2019<\/span><\/a><span> \u2013 should not be something from which you can profit, since they are too basic to our social life. We need a much bolder approach that outlaws toxic business models that seek to make profit out of social life itself.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<blockquote>\n<p><span>An under-16 social media ban should be understood as a public health intervention, not a moral panic or technophobic reaction<\/span><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<h2 data-innertext=\"paul noblet, interim head of external affairs and research at youngminds\"><span>PAUL NOBLET, INTERIM HEAD OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS AND RESEARCH AT YOUNGMINDS<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span>As a mental health charity that supports both young people and parents, YoungMinds welcomes the commitment by politicians of all parties to tackle the harms caused by social media content. However, it is vital that in any discussion of restrictions we listen closely to young people and concerned parents, as we know that for some, social media can provide timely information and access to supportive communities and organisations.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2 data-innertext=\"dennis ougrin, professor of child and adolescent psychiatry and global mental health at queen mary university of london\"><span>DENNIS OUGRIN, PROFESSOR OF CHILD AND ADOLESCENT PSYCHIATRY AND GLOBAL MENTAL HEALTH AT QUEEN MARY UNIVERSITY OF LONDON<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span>Early adolescence is a period of heightened emotional reactivity, and social media platforms are designed to exploit these vulnerabilities. Under-16s are also disproportionately exposed to sexualised content and grooming, cyberbullying and harassment and extremist material. There is now <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/journals.lww.com\/co-psychiatry\/fulltext\/2019\/11000\/Social_media,_internet_use_and_suicide_attempts_in.12.aspx?context=FeaturedArticles&amp;collectionId=2\"><span>converging evidence<\/span><\/a><span> linking heavy social media use to increased anxiety and depressive symptoms, self-harm, suicidality, and body image dissatisfaction, and we have <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/jamanetwork.com\/journals\/jamanetworkopen\/fullarticle\/2821176\"><span>one study<\/span><\/a><span> that shows a causal relationship between reducing screen time and improved mental well-being.<\/span><span>Current moderation and parental controls have demonstrably failed to protect this group.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span>A ban should be part of a layered strategy, not a standalone fix. We should consider banning persuasive design features for minors (such as infinite scroll, \u2018streaks\u2019, and algorithmic amplification), require default time limits, and teach children how platforms manipulate attention and emotion. We also need to invest in sports, arts and nature-based activities, especially in deprived areas. An under-16 social media ban should be understood as a public health intervention, not a moral panic or technophobic reaction.<\/span><\/p>\n<blockquote>\n<p><span>Banning social media for under-16s cannot be treated in the same way as banning, for example, smoking or vaping<\/span><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<h2 data-innertext=\"dr margarita panayiotou, lecturer in educational psychology at the university of manchester\"><span>DR MARGARITA PANAYIOTOU, LECTURER IN EDUCATIONAL PSYCHOLOGY AT THE UNIVERSITY OF MANCHESTER<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span>A blanket ban without any robust evidence-base risks producing worse outcomes than it seeks to address. Bans may drive online activity underground, pushing young people toward less regulated or encrypted platforms. Bans may also remove important sources of social connection and support, particularly for vulnerable adolescents, and exacerbate digital exclusion.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span>It is essential not to lose sight of the <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nature.com\/articles\/s44220-023-00063-7\"><span>complexity of adolescent development and mental health<\/span><\/a><span>. Young people are shaped by multiple interacting systems, including family, school, peers, community, and wider social and economic contexts. It is therefore overly simplistic to frame social media as the primary cause of mental health difficulties. Any legislation must reflect this complexity and be informed by robust evidence, careful evaluation, and meaningful engagement with young people themselves.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2 data-innertext=\"miranda pallan, professor of child and adolescent public health at the university of birmingham\u00a0\"><span>MIRANDA PALLAN, PROFESSOR OF CHILD AND ADOLESCENT PUBLIC HEALTH AT THE UNIVERSITY OF BIRMINGHAM\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span>Banning social media for under-16s cannot be treated in the same way as banning, for example, smoking or vaping. We know that smoking and vaping are bad for our health and laws are in place to restrict access of children and young people to these products. Even though adults are legally allowed to smoke and vape, there is a clear message that these are bad for our health and they are discouraged for everyone. If a social media ban for under-16s is introduced, there will be an abrupt point in young people\u2019s lives when they go from not being allowed to access social media, to a world where social media is widely used and they are expected to engage with it, without having had the opportunity to build their social media skills. There needs to be some thought given to how to help young people transition into the social media world when they reach the age of 16.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span>Young people should absolutely be protected from the harmful effects of social media and other online spaces, but the way to do that is complicated, nuanced and ultimately a balance of harms and benefits. It is unlikely that one measure on its own will provide the solution. At the heart of this debate are young people themselves, and we must ensure that we listen to young people and find out how they want to be supported in navigating the online world. <\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"newsletter-inline-last\">\n<div class=\"newsletter-small\">\n<div class=\"inner\">\n<h1 class=\"newsletter-title\">Escape the algorithm! Get The Drop<\/h1>\n<div class=\"meta-row\">\n<p class=\"meta\">Get must-see stories direct to your inbox every weekday.<\/p>\n<p class=\"paragraph\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.dazeddigital.com\/privacy-policy\" class=\"meta-link\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><br \/>\nPrivacy policy<br \/>\n<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"confirmation\" aria-live=\"polite\">\n<p class=\"confirmation-title\">Thank you. You have been subscribed<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.dazeddigital.com\/privacy-policy\" class=\"meta-link\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><br \/>\nPrivacy policy<br \/>\n<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<footer class=\"article-footer\">\n<div class=\"wrapper\">\n<div class=\"article-series\">\n<h4 class=\"heading\">More on these topics<\/h4>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"article-series\"><a class=\"series\" href=\"https:\/\/www.dazeddigital.com\/life-culture\">Life &amp; Culture<\/a><a class=\"series\" href=\"https:\/\/www.dazeddigital.com\/ask-an-expert\">Ask an expert<\/a><a class=\"series\" href=\"https:\/\/www.dazeddigital.com\/speakerbox\">Speakerbox<\/a><a class=\"series\" href=\"https:\/\/www.dazeddigital.com\/tag\/social-media\">social media<\/a><a class=\"series\" href=\"https:\/\/www.dazeddigital.com\/tag\/mental-health\">mental health<\/a><a class=\"series\" href=\"https:\/\/www.dazeddigital.com\/tag\/smartphones\">smartphones<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/footer>\n<div class=\"grid\">\n<div class=\"lava-lamp\">\n<div class=\"lava-lamp-text-container\">\n<h3 class=\"lava-lamp-subheading\">Expand your creative community and connect with 15,000 creatives from around the world.<\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"grid section-header\">\n<div class=\"section-header__link\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.dazeddigital.com\/life-culture\/article\/69512\/1\/life-culture\"><\/p>\n<h2 class=\"section-header__title\">READ MORE<\/h2>\n<p><\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"grid tag-article-list\">\n<div class=\"swiper swiper-latest\">\n<div class=\"swiper-wrapper\">\n<div class=\"swiper-slide list-element\">\n<div class=\"scard-latest__section\">\n<div class=\"card-latest__wrapper\"><a class=\"card-latest\" href=\"https:\/\/www.dazeddigital.com\/life-culture\/article\/69472\/1\/what-went-down-at-jim-beam-nyc-bash-new-york\"><\/p>\n<div class=\"card-latest__img-wrapper\">\n<p class=\"optional-paragraph\">Jim Beam<\/p>\n<p><span class=\"image-container\" data-aspect-ratio-type=\"landscape\"><span class=\"preserve-aspect-ratio\"><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"jb_cover\" src=\"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/1434902.jpg\" title=\"1434902\"><\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"card-latest__content\">\n<h3 class=\"card-latest__title\">What went down at Jim Beam\u2019s NYC bash<\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<p><\/a><a class=\"card-latest\" href=\"https:\/\/www.dazeddigital.com\/life-culture\/article\/69492\/1\/just-watch-me-debut-novel-exposes-dark-side-creator-economy-lior-torenberg\"><\/p>\n<div class=\"card-latest__img-wrapper\"><span class=\"image-container\" data-aspect-ratio-type=\"landscape\"><span class=\"preserve-aspect-ratio\"><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"Lior Torenberg author photo (1)\" src=\"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/1435289.jpg\" title=\"1435289\"><\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"card-latest__content\">\n<h3 class=\"card-latest__title\">This debut novel exposes the dark side of the creator economy <\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<p><\/a><a class=\"card-latest\" href=\"https:\/\/www.dazeddigital.com\/fashion\/article\/69520\/1\/what-went-down-at-lila-moss-intimate-adanola-dinner-in-london\"><\/p>\n<div class=\"card-latest__img-wrapper\">\n<p class=\"optional-paragraph\">Adanola<\/p>\n<p><span class=\"image-container\" data-aspect-ratio-type=\"landscape\"><span class=\"preserve-aspect-ratio\"><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"ADANOLA X DAZED DINNER HOSTED BY LILA MOSS\" src=\"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/1435936-2.jpg\" title=\"1435936-2\"><\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"card-latest__content\">\n<h3 class=\"card-latest__title\">What went down at Lila Moss\u2019 intimate Adanola dinner in London<\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<p><\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"swiper-slide list-element\">\n<div class=\"scard-latest__section\">\n<div class=\"card-latest__wrapper\"><a class=\"card-latest\" href=\"https:\/\/www.dazeddigital.com\/life-culture\/article\/69490\/1\/tiktok-ice-censorship-trump-oracle-larry-ellison-upscroll-app\"><\/p>\n<div class=\"card-latest__img-wrapper\"><span class=\"image-container\" data-aspect-ratio-type=\"landscape\"><span class=\"preserve-aspect-ratio\"><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"Photo illustration by Cheng Xin\/Getty Images\" src=\"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/1435287.jpg\" title=\"1435287\"><\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"card-latest__content\">\n<h3 class=\"card-latest__title\">So you want to leave TikTok?<\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<p><\/a><a class=\"card-latest\" href=\"https:\/\/www.dazeddigital.com\/life-culture\/article\/69406\/1\/how-ocd-impacts-relationships-rocd-tiktok-social-media-love-sex-dating\"><\/p>\n<div class=\"card-latest__img-wrapper\"><span class=\"image-container\" data-aspect-ratio-type=\"landscape\"><span class=\"preserve-aspect-ratio\"><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"f5fbb94ef9aecaf5b5e29ea3b667d38a\" src=\"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/1434269.jpeg\" title=\"1434269\"><\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"card-latest__content\">\n<h3 class=\"card-latest__title\">\u2018He\u2019s late because he\u2019s having an affair\u2019: how OCD impacts relationships<\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<p><\/a><a class=\"card-latest\" href=\"https:\/\/www.dazeddigital.com\/life-culture\/article\/69480\/1\/how-date-you-dont-like-family-brooklyn-beckham-victoria-nicola-peltz\"><\/p>\n<div class=\"card-latest__img-wrapper\"><span class=\"image-container\" data-aspect-ratio-type=\"landscape\"><span class=\"preserve-aspect-ratio\"><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"HowToDateWhen 16x9-3\" src=\"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/1435100.jpg\" title=\"1435100\"><\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"card-latest__content\">\n<h3 class=\"card-latest__title\">How to date when&#8230; you don\u2019t like their family<\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<p><\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"swiper-slide list-element\">\n<div class=\"scard-latest__section\">\n<div class=\"card-latest__wrapper\"><a class=\"card-latest\" href=\"https:\/\/www.dazeddigital.com\/life-culture\/article\/69384\/1\/sign-up-for-dazed-and-jim-beams-game-day-giveaway\"><\/p>\n<div class=\"card-latest__img-wrapper\">\n<p class=\"optional-paragraph\">Jim Beam<\/p>\n<p><span class=\"image-container\" data-aspect-ratio-type=\"landscape\"><span class=\"preserve-aspect-ratio\"><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"Jim Beam\" src=\"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/1434897.jpg\" title=\"1434897\"><\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"card-latest__content\">\n<h3 class=\"card-latest__title\">Sign up for Dazed and Jim Beam\u2019s game day giveaway<\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<p><\/a><a class=\"card-latest\" href=\"https:\/\/www.dazeddigital.com\/life-culture\/article\/69449\/1\/is-2026-the-year-of-analogue-tiktok-trend-social-media-offline\"><\/p>\n<div class=\"card-latest__img-wrapper\"><span class=\"image-container\" data-aspect-ratio-type=\"landscape\"><span class=\"preserve-aspect-ratio\"><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"1397686\" src=\"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/1434540.jpg\" title=\"1434540\"><\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"card-latest__content\">\n<h3 class=\"card-latest__title\">Is 2026 the year of analogue?<\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<p><\/a><a class=\"card-latest\" href=\"https:\/\/www.dazeddigital.com\/life-culture\/article\/69452\/1\/jim-beam-and-dazed-want-to-help-you-get-game-day-ready\"><\/p>\n<div class=\"card-latest__img-wrapper\">\n<p class=\"optional-paragraph\">Jim Beam<\/p>\n<p><span class=\"image-container\" data-aspect-ratio-type=\"landscape\"><span class=\"preserve-aspect-ratio\"><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"Jim Beam\" src=\"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/1434572.jpg\" title=\"1434572\"><\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"card-latest__content\">\n<h3 class=\"card-latest__title\">Jim Beam and Dazed want to help you get game day-ready<\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<p><\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"swiper-slide list-element\">\n<div class=\"scard-latest__section\">\n<div class=\"card-latest__wrapper\"><a class=\"card-latest\" href=\"https:\/\/www.dazeddigital.com\/life-culture\/article\/69466\/1\/limerence-is-bullshit-tiktok-reddit-dating-relationships-dorothy-tennov\"><\/p>\n<div class=\"card-latest__img-wrapper\"><span class=\"image-container\" data-aspect-ratio-type=\"landscape\"><span class=\"preserve-aspect-ratio\"><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"Romeo_and_Juliet_Still\" src=\"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/1434775.jpg\" title=\"1434775\"><\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"card-latest__content\">\n<h3 class=\"card-latest__title\">Limerence is bullshit<\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<p><\/a><a class=\"card-latest\" href=\"https:\/\/www.dazeddigital.com\/life-culture\/article\/69460\/1\/what-went-down-at-elizabeth-arthotel-s-50th-anniversary\"><\/p>\n<div class=\"card-latest__img-wrapper\"><span class=\"image-container\" data-aspect-ratio-type=\"landscape\"><span class=\"preserve-aspect-ratio\"><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"Elizabeth Arthotel, Infinity Pool (Courtesy of Sta\" src=\"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/1434696.jpg\" title=\"1434696\"><\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"card-latest__content\">\n<h3 class=\"card-latest__title\">What went down at Elizabeth Arthotel\u2019s 50th Anniversary<\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<p><\/a><a class=\"card-latest\" href=\"https:\/\/www.dazeddigital.com\/life-culture\/article\/69450\/1\/deadly-gambling-problem-prediction-market-polymarket-kalshi-armageddon-explainer\"><\/p>\n<div class=\"card-latest__img-wrapper\"><span class=\"image-container\" data-aspect-ratio-type=\"landscape\"><span class=\"preserve-aspect-ratio\"><img decoding=\"async\" alt=\"Uncut Gems (2019)\" src=\"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/02\/1434541.jpg\" title=\"1434541\"><\/span><\/span><\/div>\n<div class=\"card-latest__content\">\n<h3 class=\"card-latest__title\">Is a new gambling trend driving us toward armageddon?<\/h3>\n<\/div>\n<p><\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"newsletter-inline\" data-newsletter hidden>\n<div class=\"newsletter-small\">\n<div class=\"inner\">\n<h1 class=\"newsletter-title\">Escape the algorithm! Get The Drop<\/h1>\n<div class=\"meta-row\">\n<p class=\"meta\">Get must-see stories direct to your inbox every weekday.<\/p>\n<p class=\"paragraph\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.dazeddigital.com\/privacy-policy\" class=\"meta-link\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><br \/>\nPrivacy policy<br \/>\n<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"confirmation\" aria-live=\"polite\">\n<p class=\"confirmation-title\">Thank you. You have been subscribed<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.dazeddigital.com\/privacy-policy\" class=\"meta-link\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><br \/>\nPrivacy policy<br \/>\n<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/article>\n<div class=\"article-body wrapper\">\n<div class=\"embed-content\" data-embed-type=\"raw-html\">\n<p><span>For years now, anxieties over social media\u2019s impact on young people have been mounting. Unsurprisingly so: a growing body of evidence suggests that excessive use of platforms like TikTok and Instagram can cause a number of troubling effects, from poor mental health to reduced cognitive function. Plus, with the rise of generative AI, much of social media is now awash with computer-generated content which is increasingly difficult to identify as fake.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span>In light of this, policymakers around the world have started taking drastic action against the escalating crisis: notably, in December 2025, <\/span><span>Australia implemented a ban on social media access for children under 16. The new law means that m<\/span><span>ajor companies \u2013 including <\/span><span>TikTok<\/span><span>, Meta, X, and more \u2013 must ensure under-16s do not have accounts on their platforms, with fines of up to $49.5 million (AUD) for failure to comply.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span>Calls to implement a similar law in the UK are now rapidly gaining traction. <\/span><span>Prime Minister <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.theguardian.com\/politics\/2026\/jan\/13\/keir-starmer-tells-mps-he-is-open-to-australian-style-social-media-ban\"><span>Keir Starmer<\/span><\/a><span> has told MPs he is \u201copen\u201d to adopting an Australia-style ban,<\/span><span> while Tory leader <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.bbc.co.uk\/news\/articles\/cx2wyeqw3gpo\"><span>Kemi Badenoch<\/span><\/a><span> recently promised that a Conservative government wouldn\u2019t hesitate to implement a ban. According to recent YouGov polling, <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/yougov.co.uk\/topics\/technology\/survey-results\/daily\/2025\/12\/02\/12c49\/2\"><span>around 75 per cent of the British public would support children being banned from social media<\/span><\/a><span>.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span>On the surface, it\u2019s easy to see why the idea is proving popular: it\u2019s clear that <\/span><em><span>something<\/span><\/em><span> must be done to stop young, vulnerable people becoming addicted to social media platforms and accessing harmful content online. But is an under-16 social media ban really the panacea it\u2019s being made out to be? Below, we speak to experts about the pros and cons of the proposals.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2 data-innertext=\"nick couldry, author and professor of media, communications, and social theory emeritus at lse\"><span>NICK COULDRY, AUTHOR AND PROFESSOR OF MEDIA, COMMUNICATIONS, AND SOCIAL THEORY EMERITUS AT LSE<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span>A social media ban for under-16s<\/span><em><span>might<\/span><\/em><span> temporarily, and to some degree, protect some young people from the harmful content on social media. <\/span><span>There are however clear drawbacks. First, it is a ban targeted only at specific platforms, so it may push young people to other platforms that are not subject to the ban and under even less regulatory scrutiny. Second, there may be easy workarounds, for example via VPNs. Third, it appears to target young people, which is unfortunate, since the problem of social media was <\/span><em><span>not<\/span><\/em><span> created by young people, and there are manifestly some benefits also from being connected with other young people. Fourth (and most fundamentally), people over 16 also suffer from harms due to social media, but their situation is not considered.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span>The age-related social media ban targets just one symptom, rather than the core, of the problem with social media. The core problem is that we have delegated to private businesses the design and management of our main spaces for being social. Their business models are designed to extract profit from our social interactions. The basic conditions of social interactions \u2013 <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.politybooks.com\/bookdetail?book_slug=the-space-of-the-world-can-human-solidarity-survive-social-media-and-what-if-it-cant--9781509554720\"><span>what I call in a recent book \u2018the space of the world\u2019<\/span><\/a><span> \u2013 should not be something from which you can profit, since they are too basic to our social life. We need a much bolder approach that outlaws toxic business models that seek to make profit out of social life itself.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n<blockquote>\n<p><span>An under-16 social media ban should be understood as a public health intervention, not a moral panic or technophobic reaction<\/span><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<h2 data-innertext=\"paul noblet, interim head of external affairs and research at youngminds\"><span>PAUL NOBLET, INTERIM HEAD OF EXTERNAL AFFAIRS AND RESEARCH AT YOUNGMINDS<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span>As a mental health charity that supports both young people and parents, YoungMinds welcomes the commitment by politicians of all parties to tackle the harms caused by social media content. However, it is vital that in any discussion of restrictions we listen closely to young people and concerned parents, as we know that for some, social media can provide timely information and access to supportive communities and organisations.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2 data-innertext=\"dennis ougrin, professor of child and adolescent psychiatry and global mental health at queen mary university of london\"><span>DENNIS OUGRIN, PROFESSOR OF CHILD AND ADOLESCENT PSYCHIATRY AND GLOBAL MENTAL HEALTH AT QUEEN MARY UNIVERSITY OF LONDON<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span>Early adolescence is a period of heightened emotional reactivity, and social media platforms are designed to exploit these vulnerabilities. Under-16s are also disproportionately exposed to sexualised content and grooming, cyberbullying and harassment and extremist material. There is now <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/journals.lww.com\/co-psychiatry\/fulltext\/2019\/11000\/Social_media,_internet_use_and_suicide_attempts_in.12.aspx?context=FeaturedArticles&amp;collectionId=2\"><span>converging evidence<\/span><\/a><span> linking heavy social media use to increased anxiety and depressive symptoms, self-harm, suicidality, and body image dissatisfaction, and we have <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/jamanetwork.com\/journals\/jamanetworkopen\/fullarticle\/2821176\"><span>one study<\/span><\/a><span> that shows a causal relationship between reducing screen time and improved mental well-being.<\/span><span>Current moderation and parental controls have demonstrably failed to protect this group.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span>A ban should be part of a layered strategy, not a standalone fix. We should consider banning persuasive design features for minors (such as infinite scroll, \u2018streaks\u2019, and algorithmic amplification), require default time limits, and teach children how platforms manipulate attention and emotion. We also need to invest in sports, arts and nature-based activities, especially in deprived areas. An under-16 social media ban should be understood as a public health intervention, not a moral panic or technophobic reaction.<\/span><\/p>\n<blockquote>\n<p><span>Banning social media for under-16s cannot be treated in the same way as banning, for example, smoking or vaping<\/span><\/p>\n<\/blockquote>\n<h2 data-innertext=\"dr margarita panayiotou, lecturer in educational psychology at the university of manchester\"><span>DR MARGARITA PANAYIOTOU, LECTURER IN EDUCATIONAL PSYCHOLOGY AT THE UNIVERSITY OF MANCHESTER<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span>A blanket ban without any robust evidence-base risks producing worse outcomes than it seeks to address. Bans may drive online activity underground, pushing young people toward less regulated or encrypted platforms. Bans may also remove important sources of social connection and support, particularly for vulnerable adolescents, and exacerbate digital exclusion.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span>It is essential not to lose sight of the <\/span><a href=\"https:\/\/www.nature.com\/articles\/s44220-023-00063-7\"><span>complexity of adolescent development and mental health<\/span><\/a><span>. Young people are shaped by multiple interacting systems, including family, school, peers, community, and wider social and economic contexts. It is therefore overly simplistic to frame social media as the primary cause of mental health difficulties. Any legislation must reflect this complexity and be informed by robust evidence, careful evaluation, and meaningful engagement with young people themselves.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2 data-innertext=\"miranda pallan, professor of child and adolescent public health at the university of birmingham\u00a0\"><span>MIRANDA PALLAN, PROFESSOR OF CHILD AND ADOLESCENT PUBLIC HEALTH AT THE UNIVERSITY OF BIRMINGHAM\u00a0<\/span><\/h2>\n<p><span>Banning social media for under-16s cannot be treated in the same way as banning, for example, smoking or vaping. We know that smoking and vaping are bad for our health and laws are in place to restrict access of children and young people to these products. Even though adults are legally allowed to smoke and vape, there is a clear message that these are bad for our health and they are discouraged for everyone. If a social media ban for under-16s is introduced, there will be an abrupt point in young people\u2019s lives when they go from not being allowed to access social media, to a world where social media is widely used and they are expected to engage with it, without having had the opportunity to build their social media skills. There needs to be some thought given to how to help young people transition into the social media world when they reach the age of 16.<\/span><\/p>\n<p><span>Young people should absolutely be protected from the harmful effects of social media and other online spaces, but the way to do that is complicated, nuanced and ultimately a balance of harms and benefits. It is unlikely that one measure on its own will provide the solution. At the heart of this debate are young people themselves, and we must ensure that we listen to young people and find out how they want to be supported in navigating the online world. <\/span><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div id=\"newsletter-inline-last\">\n<div class=\"newsletter-small\">\n<div class=\"inner\">\n<h1 class=\"newsletter-title\">Escape the algorithm! Get The Drop<\/h1>\n<div class=\"meta-row\">\n<p class=\"meta\">Get must-see stories direct to your inbox every weekday.<\/p>\n<p class=\"paragraph\"><a href=\"https:\/\/www.dazeddigital.com\/privacy-policy\" class=\"meta-link\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><br \/>\nPrivacy policy<br \/>\n<\/a><\/p>\n<\/div>\n<div class=\"confirmation\" aria-live=\"polite\">\n<p class=\"confirmation-title\">Thank you. You have been subscribed<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/www.dazeddigital.com\/privacy-policy\" class=\"meta-link\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><br \/>\nPrivacy policy<br \/>\n<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p> Source URL: https:\/\/www.dazeddigital.com\/life-culture\/article\/69512\/1\/experts-unpack-the-under-16-social-media-ban-smartphones-big-tech-addiction<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Parasite (Film still) February\u00a0 3,\u00a0 2026 Life &amp; Culture \/ Ask an expert Life &amp; Culture \/ Ask an expert Is a social media ban the answer? 5 experts weigh-in UK politicians are pushing for a social media ban for under-16s, but experts warn that banning platforms could create new risks February\u00a0 3,\u00a0 2026 February\u00a0 [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":1743451,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"footnotes":""},"categories":[2],"tags":[226,76],"class_list":["post-1743450","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","has-post-thumbnail","hentry","category-politics","tag-crawlmanager","tag-dazeddigital-com"],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1743450","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcomments&post=1743450"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/posts\/1743450\/revisions"}],"wp:featuredmedia":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=\/wp\/v2\/media\/1743451"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fmedia&parent=1743450"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Fcategories&post=1743450"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/analyse.optim.biz\/index.php?rest_route=%2Fwp%2Fv2%2Ftags&post=1743450"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}