A Stamford group is calling for stronger online protection for children
Local experts say social media ban for under-16s isn’t enough to keep young people safe
Ministers say they want parents and young people to help decide if the UK should copy Australia and ban under-16s from social media.
The move would mean raising the digital age of consent and limiting features that encourage children to keep scrolling endlessly.
But a Stamford group working with families on online safety says a ban doesn’t go far enough.
The group say one reason they are for the ban is that it will force tech and social media companies to change the way they work and increase regulation providing safer platforms for young people’s social interaction.
Gemma Holbird from the group told us social media companies need to take more responsibility for the content children see.
She said: “The videos that encourage things like self-harm and eating disorders contribute massively to poor mental health."
"When young people are struggling, the algorithms feed that information to them."
"I’d love a ban in the UK, but the companies themselves must do more to control what’s on their sites, whatever the user’s age."
"There’s also the issue of comparison—children see idealised videos and feel like their own lives don’t match up.”
Sarah Jane Saunston, also from the group, says the impact of all devices starts early:
“Teachers told us even really young children are turning up unable to hold a pen or roll a ball. That’s actually really harmful.”
The government says it will seek views and respond in the summer.
Meanwhile, campaigners and parents are urging action to protect young people online.