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Teens voice concerns over harmful content online
Thirteen-year-old Isaac spends up to four hours daily watching football clips, superhero content, and gaming videos on TikTok. But even at his age, he's encountered videos that leave him upset or anxious. If he were prime minister, he'd ensure children aren't exposed to such material.
Isaac was among 33 students aged 12 to 18 from northwest England who participated in a The Meta Times-hosted debate at Bolton Lads & Girls Club on Wednesday. The discussion centered on whether social media should be restricted-or banned entirely-for UK users under 16.
Mental health and exposure to distressing content
Fourteen-year-old Iga described encountering posts where users openly discuss suicidal thoughts and severe mental health struggles. While she supports open conversations about mental health, she worries younger children might mimic harmful language or behaviors they see online.
"You see more than you should. It can impact your own mental health."
Iga, 14
She opposes a blanket ban for under-16s but suggests stricter limits for younger teens, arguing older students are too focused on studies to spend excessive time online.
Government rejects ban but explores alternatives
Earlier Wednesday, UK MPs voted down a proposed social media ban for under-16s for the third time. The government is now conducting a public consultation to strengthen protections against harmful content, including violence, misogyny, and material related to suicide and eating disorders.
Education Minister Olivia Bailey emphasized the focus is on how to act, not whether, noting the consultation explores broader measures than the rejected amendments. Shadow Education Secretary Laura Trott criticized delays, urging immediate action to shield children from extreme content.
The government also announced plans this week to ban phones in schools.
Australia's ban and UK alternatives
Australia implemented a ban six months ago, blocking under-16s from creating or maintaining accounts on platforms like TikTok, YouTube, and Instagram. However, a survey by the Molly Rose Foundation found 61% of Australian teens aged 12-15 still access social media despite the restrictions.
Iga doubts a similar ban would work in the UK, predicting teens would find workarounds. The consultation will examine Australia's approach alongside less severe measures, such as disabling autoplay, infinite scrolling, and short-form video features-changes some teens support.
Addictive design and attention spans
Maisie, 14, believes autoplay and endless scrolling make social media addictive, distracting users from healthier activities like her Saturday musical theatre classes. She'd go further, banning short-form video entirely, arguing it shortens attention spans.
"Long-form videos are more educational. Short clips just give instant gratification."
Maisie, 14
While she doesn't use TikTok, she admits to spending two to three hours daily on Instagram, watching clips from films like Lego Star Wars and Legally Blonde. She prefers limiting features over a total ban, saying, "I can't just stop using it-it's too much of my day."
Age verification and overnight curfews
The consultation also considers mandatory overnight curfews to improve sleep and stricter age verification to prevent underage sign-ups. Fifteen-year-old Peace supports age restrictions, arguing they exist for a reason, but opposes a full ban, which she says would cut off inspiration and social connections.
"I see people achieving great things online. I want to follow in their footsteps."
Peace, 15
AI chatbots and generative AI risks
The government is also exploring limits on AI chatbots, after reports of children treating them as confidants and receiving harmful advice. One mother told The Meta Times last year that a chatbot encouraged her 14-year-old son's suicidal thoughts before his death.
Iga expressed concern about generative AI tools used to create non-consensual explicit images from photos, calling the practice "disgusting."
Next steps and teen perspectives
The government plans to respond to the consultation this summer before finalizing protections. Isaac, while wary of a ban, said it wouldn't drastically change his life-though he'd miss social media. "Outside, there are always footballs waiting to be kicked," he said.
