Today, the Prime Minister has announced that social media will be banned for under-16s by Spring 2027.
The ban follows a recent government consultation that found 90% of parents backed a minimum age of 16 for social media.
It’s important to acknowledge that for many people, social media can act as a place to feel heard, creative and connected. Social media channels can help bring people together, create communities and provide a place where people can discuss issues that are important to them. However, we also know that social media can have a huge, negative impact on everyone’s mental health.
A report by Smartphone Free Childhood found that ‘hospital admissions for teenage mental health conditions have risen to 65% in a decade’, and Smartphone Free Childhood claim that ‘emerging evidence points to social media as a major driver of children and young people’s mental health crisis’.
Everyturn Mental Health welcomes this change in government policy. By ensuring social media channels and the content created on these is more strictly governed will we see young people’s mental health protected. The positive connections that young people have through access to social media will not be lost through these changes but re-invented in a way that is safe, within in their local communities, their schools and the systems that support them through childhood into adulthood.
Mandy Coppin, Head of Children & Young People services at Everyturn commented:
“As both a parent and a mental health professional, I welcome this news as an important step in safeguarding young people’s mental health. Young people shouldn’t have to risk their safety or mental health in order to feel connected, heard and happy.
“More work is needed to ensure young people’s ongoing safety online and while risks must be addressed, it is also important to recognise the positive role social media can play in supporting wellbeing.
“We look forward to hearing more from the government on the clearer guidance and detailed next steps for young people, families, and the professionals who support them each day.”
For more information on our Children and Young People’s Mental Health services, visit: Children & young people | Everyturn