Response to UK Government social media ban for under 16s

Commenting on the announcement of a social media ban for under 16's Mary Glasgow, Chief Executive, Children First said:

“The UK Government’s move to restrict social media for under 16s and tackle live streaming and stranger contact is a welcome indication of the desire to protect children in the face of a national childhood emergency.  The intention of both the UK and Scottish Governments to reset the digital culture that is causing widespread harm to children and childhood is clear. It must now be matched with the resource and determination needed to realise it.

“Given children are likely to find ways around a ban, they will continue to be harmed unless tech companies are forced to implement changes to ensure their products are safe from the start.  Bans on social media and smartphones in schools can begin to shift cultural norms, but they will not fix a system designed to maximise profit and ignore protection. The tech companies have addicted us all and we cannot expect children to change their behaviour, if the adults around them don't. Parents and caregivers need support to model a new approach to screens and above all tech companies need to ensure safety by design and urgently develop platforms that are not addictive for anyone. 

"Both the UK and Scottish governments must hold tech companies to account and drive a comprehensive public health response to digital harm. The commitment to invest in play, creativity and sport, so children have meaningful alternatives to being online, must be realised here in Scotland as well as in other parts of the UK.

"Most importantly, every solution must be shaped by the voices of children and young people themselves. Childhood is being reshaped by technology. Both governments must act now to reclaim it, so every child in Scotland can grow up safe, happy and connected.”