Partnership for Young London's Statement on the Social Media Ban for Under -16s

Following the government's announcement earlier this week regarding a social media ban for under-16s, the team at Partnership for Young London felt it was important to reflect on the implications this may have for the young people we work closely with and the questions it raises.

One of the biggest themes to emerge is the role and responsibility of big tech companies in regulating content on their platforms. While protecting young people from harmful online content is the primary objective, a blanket ban on under-16s does little to eradicate its prevalence. We must ask: what happens once a young person is old enough to access social media? What will be done to prepare them to use it safely? Evidence shows that social media algorithms are designed to be addictive and can actively push harmful content. Are we simply delaying exposure rather than addressing it?

Early data from Australia, which implemented a ban in December 2025, suggests that many underage users were able to bypass restrictions through VPNs or by migrating to unregulated spaces. This raises important questions about the effectiveness of these measures and whether sufficient safeguards will be in place to enforce them.

Youth services have faced significant pressure for years, and while the current government has committed to restoring them through Youth Matters: National Youth Strategy, restrictions on digital spaces must be accompanied by meaningful investment in the services and opportunities that help young people build relationships, access information, and thrive in their communities.

We also want to raise the question of how this ban will interact with the government's plans to introduce votes at 16. Whilst it is vital that young people are not exposed to misinformation, we must be careful not to restrict their engagement with current affairs and political participation, particularly in the absence of any announcement relating to formal political education or digital literacy.

As this conversation continues, we believe the focus must be on creating a safer digital environment for all users, improving digital education, holding technology companies accountable for harmful business models, and ensuring young people have access to the support and opportunities they need both online and offline.