Social Media Ban for Under 16s: A Single Parent's Perspective
Amy, CEO of SPW, and mum of 4, shared her views and of the SPW community of the recent announcement of the social media ban for under 16s.
Why I'm Torn
The UK Government's proposed social media ban for under 16s has sparked a lot of debate, and as a single parent, now in a blended family, of a 13-year-old, I find myself feeling torn.
Like many parents, social media has become part of my parenting. We have time limits, parental settings, age-appropriate accounts and regular "Tech Talks" where we chat about what my son is seeing online and how he's managing it.
I understand why many parents welcome the proposal. Social media can expose young people to harmful content, unrealistic expectations and addictive features designed to keep them scrolling. The current protections don't feel strong enough, and families are often left trying to manage risks created by technology companies.
My Concerns About a Ban
My biggest worry is what happens if only some children follow the ban. Social media is how many young people communicate, share memes, keep friendships going and feel connected. If my son is one of the few not using it, what impact will that have socially?
Parenting Across Two Homes
For separated parents, there is another layer of complexity. Many single parents already struggle to maintain consistency around screen time, parental controls and online safety across two households.
It's something I worry about too. What happens if one household follows the ban and the other doesn't? For some families, technology is already a source of tension, and any future policy needs to recognise that many children live across two homes where consistency isn't always straightforward.
For me, social media is also one of the ways I stay connected to my son when he's at his other home. We send each other memes, share funny videos, recipes we want to try together and interesting things we've come across online. We often save TikTok recipes to make when we're back together and share YouTube art tutorials and creative ideas. It's become one of the ways we maintain our relationship and stay connected between handovers. While social media certainly has risks, for many families living across two homes it can also be a valuable tool for connection.
What Happens at 16?
Right now, I have the opportunity to help my son learn healthy boundaries, understand online risks and build a positive relationship with technology. If social media is simply removed until 16, are we missing valuable opportunities to teach these skills gradually?
While social media has risks, it's also where many young people find information, support and community. For some young people, including those who are isolated, marginalised or not attending school, online spaces can be a lifeline. A blanket ban risks removing positive online communities as well as harmful content, including those living in single parent households. Don’t forget the amount of positive role models, activism and campaigns online also, but I do recognise that there are also harmful influences online.
Are We Tackling the Right Problem?
Many parents in our community have raised concerns about unintended consequences too. When Australia introduced similar restrictions, reports suggested many young people still found ways to access social media. If young people simply move to lesser-known platforms with fewer safeguards, have we really made them safer?
Ultimately, I don't think children are the problem. The real issue is that many platforms are designed to be addictive, while harmful content is still too easy to access. We need stronger action from technology companies alongside better education and support for families.
Are Young People Being Heard?
Most of all, I think we need to listen to young people. When I spoke to my son about the proposal, he told me he and his friends had signed the "Do Not Ban Social Media for Under 16s" petition because, in their words, social media is how they communicate, connect and find community.
I haven't heard enough young people's voices in this conversation. Sending memes, sharing videos and interacting online is often how friendships are maintained today. Any long-term solution needs to involve young people, not just make decisions for them.
What Single Parents Are Saying
"We Need to Think About the Consequences"
"I agree with the principle, but there are so many details to work out. In Australia they banned the top platforms, but the unintended consequence is that lesser-known and less regulated platforms are then used instead. I am for it, but we need to work through the unintended consequences."
"Two Households Makes It Harder"
"My son's phone is purchased by his dad and he changes the PIN code at our son's request but doesn't tell me, even though our son spends four days with me and three with his dad. His tablet at my house I can monitor."
"How Will They Learn?"
"While I get the need for something to be done to make social media less addictive, I don't think a total ban until 16 is the right thing to do. What happens after that? They get thrown into this world they have no experience of and have no tools to navigate."
"Some Parents Welcome It"
"My abusive ex gave our children phones without telling me and wouldn't add me to the parental controls. It meant they had phones sooner than I would have liked and it was difficult to monitor their activity."
"I fully support this move. I can see it might cause issues for families where parents are unable to communicate without stress."
"The Platforms Need to Change"
"They never go to the core problem like the tech giants who have made the apps dopamine addictive. Phones are a massive issue on kids' mental health and lack of in-person connection."
"Shouldn't Parents Decide?"
"Controls are already available for parents to restrict internet time and access. We are capable of parenting our own children."
My Final Thoughts
I don't have all the answers, but I do know this: keeping young people safe online is important, but so is helping them learn how to navigate the digital world safely and responsibly.
For me, the answer isn't simply banning social media or leaving families to cope alone. We need safer platforms, better education, stronger protections and more opportunities for young people to connect offline too.
Most importantly, we need to keep listening to both parents and young people.
What do you think? We'd love to hear from parents, especially those navigating technology across two households.
Further Reading
SPW has a few blogs around online safety and social media, plus a section on further links etc to help you feel informed.
Swipe Right on Safety: How to Enjoy Social Media Without Any Stress. Practical online safety tips for young people.
https://www.singleparentswellbeing.com/blog/onlineteensafety
Keeping It Safe & Social: A Friendly Guide for Parents. Supporting parents to navigate the online world with their children.
https://www.singleparentswellbeing.com/blog/stayingsafeonline-ecm76
Adolescence, Screens and Staying Connected: What Single Parents Are Saying. Reflections and practical advice from single parents following the Netflix series Adolescence.