UK Teenagers Call for Social Media Accountability, Not Bans

Date: Monday 31 Mar 2025

In a passionate plea to MPs, UK teenagers assert that banning them from social media is an impractical measure against youth violence. Drawing from their insights, they argue that a more effective approach involves tightening regulations on social media firms to curb the promotion of violent content. While a ban, like that in Australia for under-16s, is suggested, the youths highlight the enriching benefits of online engagement, advocating for accountability instead.

Wania Eshaal Ahmad, chair of the youth select committee, firmly states that social media companies must shoulder greater responsibility in shielding young users from harmful material. The committee, representing voices of 14- to 19-year-olds across the UK, emphasises the need for youth involvement in policymaking, particularly targeting those from marginalised backgrounds.

They propose a youth advisory panel for Ofcom and express disappointment over its limited engagement with young people on safety issues. Their recommendations include creating a transparent online safety standards rating, allowing users to more easily assess the safety of digital platforms based on their protective measures and responsiveness.

The report warns that the current Online Safety Act may not sufficiently enforce age restrictions on social media, highlighting a need for Ofcom to regularly report to Parliament on tech companies' accountability. A survey revealed disquieting statistics: 70% of young users experienced violence online, with significant percentages also admitting to being victims or perpetrators.

The children's commissioner for England cautions that exposure to online violence can desensitise youth, normalising aggression and leading to retaliatory acts. The committee urges the government to research this link to inform the Online Safety Act, alongside combating the toxic influence of certain figures who glorify crime.

Amidst this discourse, Ofsted’s head, Martyn Oliver, calls for English school leaders to ban smartphones, citing a chaotic environment caused by online distractions. His insights reflect a wide-ranging concern for children’s cognitive development in the age of non-human algorithms, emphasising the urgent need for a peaceful school atmosphere.

In response, Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson urges officials to enhance monitoring of smartphones in schools, aligning with the government's commitment to reducing disruptions from devices. A government spokesperson reassures that measures are underway to bolster street and online safety for children, marking the inception of the Online Safety Act provisions aimed at protecting minors from illegal and harmful content.

Read the full article here: https://www.theguardian.com/media/2025/mar/27/banning-us-from-social-media-is-neither-practical-nor-effective-uk-teenagers-say?trk=storyline-feed_main-feed-storyline-activity-card_feed-article-content

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