The challenges we face as the UK considers banning social media for under-16s

As the world watches the impact of a social media ban for under-16s that took effect in Australia back in December, governments elsewhere are now considering the best way to keep young people safer online. It’s clear there is now a tailwind of opinion regarding a review of under-16s social media and phone usage in the UK and Europe.

While Australia is paving a way, we’re yet to truly see the impact.

The UK’s fast-tracked consultation, announced today by Technology Secretary Liz Kendall, is a good first step into understanding the nuances of how teens use social media and smartphones, and what measures can be taken to mitigate any risks for younger people. 

I don’t think a blanket ban on social media and smartphones for under-16s is the answer. The research, focus groups and first hand experience we have gathered at Raise over the last three years suggests that this age group will both find ways to circumvent bans, while also going to less safe parts of the digital world.

However, it is of course clear that more should be done to protect young people from online harms including more robust age verification features, better content moderation, effective time and content limits, smarter features, and more transparency over when and how teens’ data is stored and used. 

It’s also important to remember how important social media can be for younger teens. These are digital natives who derive a lot of pleasure and social interaction from using these platforms. They’re also educational tools and information-rich. 

We need to think carefully about what young, social-savvy digital natives will do with their time when a set of apps is banned. Kids aren't suddenly going to go back to pen and paper despite older generations donning their rose-tinted glasses and wishing they would.