Young People on Social Media: It’s Time to Re-Balance the Relationship

The Government have announced plans to introduce legislation that will prohibit under-16s from accessing user-to-user social media platforms. This bold action followed a wide-sweeping consultation involving over 100,000 respondents to learn more about how young people interact with social media and listen to their thoughts and anxieties.

The findings were clear. There is strong support across all age groups for introducing age restrictions. Among children and young people, 66% supported setting a minimum age of 16 for access to at least some social media platforms, while 90% of parents supported the measures.

Many parents across Tamworth and the surrounding villages have contacted me to express their concerns about the impact social media is having on their children. I am sure they will welcome, as I do, these plans to strengthen protections for young people online and provide more opportunities for them in the real-world.

Whilst I recognise that social media has become an important part of young people’s educational and social life, I have significant concerns regarding the harm it can cause to their self-esteem and mental wellbeing. These harms are well documented. Research by the Molly Rose Foundation found that 47% of girls aged 13 to 17 were exposed to high-risk content over a seven-day test period. Additionally, the UK Millennium Cohort Study found that higher social media use amongst 14-year-olds, of all genders, is associated with increased depressive symptoms. 

These harms can no longer be ignored. Our teenage years are some of the most formative and enjoyable times of our lives. We cannot allow the next generation to be robbed of them by addictive platforms and harmful content. These are dangers by design, caused by an algorithm which perpetuates damaging content and seeks to trap young people’s attention on the platform. These cannot be tackled by content moderation or user bans alone, which only address harmful incidents after they occur.

The Government’s proposals rise to this challenge. The new laws will go further than the landmark protections announced in Australia to not only prevent access to social media for those under the age of 16, but implement a series of safety settings to be on by default for all users below the age of 18. These will include vital protections to prevent strangers contacting young people without their consent. Ministers aim to pass the legislation before Christmas, with the measures to be in force from next Spring.

This being said, we must learn a key lesson from the experience of Australia. Initial research from the Molly Rose Foundation has found that 60% of those under-16 are still using social media as young people have circumvented the law using VPNs and fake accounts. Any social media ban must be met with credible age-verification to prevent young people circumventing the restrictions. In this light, I support the Government’s announcement that it will work alongside operating system providers, such as Apple and Google, to support with the implementation of Healthy Effective Age Assurance mechanisms.

Finally, these measures must work as part of a holistic package to enable our young people to have fulfilling upbringings. In 2025, the Centre for Young Lives reported that the rate of outdoor play has declined 50% in a generation. These real-world experiences are vital for young people to explore their sense of self, pursue their passions and build their resilience.  This regulatory package should include action to ensure children across the country receive greater access to creative and sporting enrichment opportunities.

Every child deserves a happy and healthy childhood. These proposals will re-balance the relationship our young people have with their phones so they can grow in a safer and more fulfilling environment.