The Under-16 Social Media Ban: A Counsellor's Perspective

The proposed under-16 social media ban has sparked strong opinions among parents, educators, mental health professionals and young people themselves. As a counsellor who works with children, teenagers and families, I believe greater protection for young people online is an important step. However, it is also important to recognise that reducing or removing access to social media may bring emotional challenges for young people who are already heavily connected to it.

Social media is now a significant part of many teenagers' lives. It can provide connection, friendship, creativity and opportunities to learn, but it can also contribute to anxiety, low self-esteem, comparison, sleep difficulties and pressure to fit in.

For parents, the question isn't simply whether social media is good or bad. It's about understanding how it can affect a young person's emotional wellbeing and helping them develop healthy ways of managing the online world.

As a counsellor, I believe the conversation around an under-16 social media ban needs to include not only protection, but also emotional support, communication and helping young people develop the confidence and skills they need to navigate change.

Why Are Concerns Being Raised?

Over the last decade, social media has become woven into the daily lives of many young people. While these platforms can offer opportunities for connection, creativity, and learning, they also expose children and teenagers to risks that previous generations never experienced.

Many of the young people I work with report feeling pressure to compare themselves to others, worrying about likes, followers, appearance, popularity, and fitting in. Some describe feeling unable to switch off, checking notifications late into the night, and experiencing anxiety when they are away from their phones.

Excessive social media use can be associated with difficulties including:

• Increased anxiety and low mood

• Poor sleep quality

• Reduced self-esteem and body confidence

• Cyberbullying and online harassment

• Fear of missing out (FOMO)

• Difficulties concentrating and being present in everyday life

A ban or tighter restrictions could help reduce exposure to some of these challenges during crucial stages of emotional and social development.

Why Taking It Away May Be Difficult

While many adults may see social media as something optional, for many teenagers it has become part of their social world. Friendships are maintained through group chats, shared videos, online communities, and digital interactions.

For a young person who has been using social media for years, losing access may feel similar to losing a key part of their social life. This doesn't necessarily mean the ban is wrong, but it does mean we should expect emotional reactions.

Young people may experience:

• Frustration and anger

• Feelings of exclusion

• Increased anxiety about missing social interactions

• Resistance to new rules

• A temporary sense of isolation

These reactions are understandable. Any significant change, particularly one involving something that has become part of daily routine, can create discomfort.

What Young People Need Most

If restrictions are introduced, support will be crucial.

Rather than focusing solely on taking something away, we should help young people build meaningful alternatives. This may include:

• Encouraging face-to-face friendships

• Promoting hobbies, sports, and creative activities

• Supporting family connection and conversation

• Teaching emotional resilience and coping skills

• Helping young people understand healthy technology use

When children understand why boundaries exist, they are often more willing to engage with them. Open conversations are usually far more effective than punishment or strict control alone.

A Chance to Rebalance Childhood

Perhaps the biggest opportunity presented by a social media ban is the chance to rebalance childhood and adolescence.

Many adults remember spending time outdoors, engaging in hobbies, and developing friendships without constant online comparison. Today's young people deserve the same opportunities to develop confidence, identity, and self-worth without feeling that every moment is being judged, shared, or measured online.

Social media itself is not the enemy. Technology will always be part of modern life. The challenge is ensuring that children are emotionally ready to navigate it safely and healthily.

Final Thoughts

From a mental health perspective, greater protection for under-16s online is likely to bring many benefits. However, we must acknowledge that for young people already immersed in social media, the transition may not be easy.

As parents, carers, educators, and professionals, our role is not simply to remove access but to support young people through the change. By offering understanding, connection, and healthy alternatives, we can help them build confidence and wellbeing both online and offline.

The goal is not to disconnect young people from the world, but to give them the space and support to grow before entering the increasingly complex digital landscape.