BulliesOut welcomes the Prime Minister’s commitment to improving online safety for children and young people. Every day, we see the impact that bullying behaviour, harassment and abuse can have on young lives, and we fully support efforts to reduce these harms and create a safer digital world. However, while we share the Government’s ambitions, we do not believe that a blanket ban on social media for under-16s is the right solution.
The challenges facing young people online are real, but they are also complex. Restricting access to social media does little to address the systems and features that often enable harmful behaviour in the first place.
Young people themselves consistently tell us that they want platforms to deal with bullying behaviour, abusive content and harmful interactions more effectively. That means better moderation, safer algorithms, stronger reporting systems and greater accountability for technology companies.
A blanket ban also risks diverting attention away from these essential reforms. The responsibility for protecting children online should not fall solely on young people and their families. Social media companies must continue to be held accountable for the design and safety of the platforms they create.
When we talk about restricting social media access for children and young people, it’s important to consider not only the intended benefits but also how they might experience the change. Many young people use these platforms to stay connected with friends, express themselves, access communities of shared interests, and seek support. A ban may leave some feeling frustrated, isolated, excluded from their peer group, or as though decisions are being made without their voices being heard.
At the same time, some children and young people may welcome fewer pressures related to online comparison, online bullying, or the expectation to be constantly available. Their experiences are not all the same, and responses will vary depending on age, circumstances, and how they use social media. Any discussion about restrictions should include meaningful engagement with children and young people themselves, recognising their perspectives and ensuring they feel listened to and supported rather than simply regulated.
There are practical concerns too. Many teenagers are likely to find ways around restrictions on platforms they have already been using for years. If they do so without their parents’ knowledge, one of the strongest protective factors is lost. Parents may no longer know which apps or websites their children are using, who they are communicating with or what risks they are facing, making it harder to have open conversations and provide support when it is needed most.
There is also the possibility that some young people could migrate to less regulated online spaces where safeguards are weaker and the risks of exploitation, grooming, harmful content and abuse may be even greater. Rather than reducing harm, this could make vulnerable children harder to reach and protect. Perhaps one of the most concerning unintended consequences is the impact on reporting. If social media use becomes prohibited, children who experience bullying behaviour, harassment, blackmail or other forms of online abuse may be reluctant to seek help because they fear getting into trouble for being online in the first place. We should be encouraging young people to speak up, not creating additional barriers that discourage disclosure
We are equally concerned that the proposals announced so far lack important detail. Questions remain about how any restrictions would be implemented, enforced and evaluated, as well as what support would be available for children, parents and schools. Many young people have seen headlines suggesting they could lose access to social media without any clear explanation of what this would mean for them or whether their voices have been considered in the debate.
Protecting children online cannot rely on restrictions alone. It requires investment in digital education, support for parents, strong regulation and meaningful action from technology companies. It also requires ensuring that young people have safe spaces to connect, learn, create and develop healthy relationships, both online and offline.
At BulliesOut, we believe that creating a safer online environment means addressing the root causes of harm rather than simply limiting access. Holding platforms accountable, improving digital literacy and empowering parents will do far more to protect children and young people than a blanket ban alone.
Finally, protecting children online cannot rely on restrictions alone. Young people need safe places to socialise, learn, create and build connections, both online and offline. Meaningful investment in youth services, education, community opportunities and digital literacy should sit alongside regulation to ensure children can thrive in all aspects of their lives.
BulliesOut firmly believes that action is needed to make the online world safer for children and young people. However, banning under-16s from social media is unlikely to deliver that outcome on its own. A more effective approach is one that combines robust regulation, platform accountability, improved digital education, parental empowerment and sustained investment in children’s wellbeing. Whatever measures are introduced, the Government must continue to hold technology companies responsible for creating safer online environments and ensure that the protections promised to children and families become a reality.
