'We've grown up with it, it's vital' - teens oppose social media ban

Teenagers at Morriston Comprehensive School in Swansea have spoken out against a proposed ban on social media for under-16s, arguing it is essential for their social and personal development. Students aged 13 and 14, including Ruby (14), Indy (13), and Ellie (13), claim social media helps them connect with peers, discover new hobbies, and navigate modern life. Ruby stated, 'It's easier for older people to say get rid of it because they had a childhood without it—we've grown up with it.' The UK government is currently consulting on setting a minimum age for social media use, with the deadline set for Tuesday, while also exploring measures like removing addictive design features from platforms. School leaders, however, express strong concerns over the impact of social media on young people. Karen Williams, headteacher at Morriston Comprehensive, described 'massive mental health issues' caused by exposure to content unsuitable for their age, including cyberbullying, grooming, and anxiety. She argued that children under 16 lack the maturity to handle these challenges and has restricted her own teenagers' smartphone access to limit exposure. Williams believes the negatives—such as reduced concentration and safeguarding risks—outweigh any benefits. A BBC Wales survey of 72 secondary school leaders revealed broad support for stricter restrictions, though some questioned enforcement feasibility. Many described social media as the 'root concern' in schools, contributing to issues like poor mental health and disrupted learning. However, Ryan Davies, headteacher at Brynteg School in Bridgend, warned that banning social media could push it underground, potentially exposing children to even more harmful content. His school recently faced difficulties after damaging TikTok posts, yet he opposes outright bans, suggesting a need for compromise between age restrictions and content moderation. The Welsh government has pledged to address online harms, stating it is 'committed to doing all we can to protect children and young people from the harmful impacts of social media.' Meanwhile, Ofcom has flagged TikTok and YouTube as 'not safe enough' for children, reinforcing calls for stronger platform regulations. The UK’s Online Safety Act, introduced in July 2025, aims to enhance protections, but debates continue over whether age-based bans or platform reforms will be most effective in safeguarding young users.