The UK government has announced a social media ban for children under 16. Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer outlined plans to implement a ban by spring 2027, which will include Snapchat, TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, X, and YouTube – WhatsApp and Signal won’t be affected. According to Ofcom, children in the UK aged 8-14 are currently online for an average of nearly three hours a day, spending at least two hours using social media. With social media usage forming a large part of daily life, how can we talk about the UK social media ban with children as teachers and parents? This blog shares advice for holding productive conversations about the social media ban with children, whether that’s in the classroom or at home. While children will likely have many questions and thoughts, we can listen and help them think about what their life online and offline might look like in the future. Preparing for productive conversations As you approach conversations about the social media ban for under-16s, remember your influence in creating a positive discussion. Model a calm and measured approach to the conversation, enabling children to share their ideas, letting them talk, and listening to each other. Talking in the mornings can work well. For lots of children, the social media ban will be big news, and so they may have layered thoughts or worries. Therefore talking early in the day gives children plenty of time to reflect, gather their thoughts, and follow up with any more questions or thoughts with you throughout the day. Allow for emotional expression Lots of children may have mixed feelings and strong opinions on the changes. Each child will respond differently based on their experiences and circumstances. Some may disapprove and feel frustrated, having forged a life online connecting with friends and keeping up with their favourite creators, while some who have had negative experiences online may feel relieved. When talking about the ban together as a class or as a family at home, set boundaries for a respectful discussion where each person can be heard – remembering that everyone will feel differently about the ban. Encourage children to consider how someone with an opposing opinion may feel. Let them know it’s okay to feel different things at the same time, and for their feelings on the ban to change over time. How can we stay connected? For lots of children today, much of their time is spent online – it’s the place to go for entertainment, to follow their favourite creators, keep up with friends, and create and share their own content. So the news of a social media ban for under-16s will upturn many children’s current online experiences. While there are many opposing opinions on the announcement, one thing you can focus on in your conversations is the feeling of connection. Think together about what the ban means for them personally. Here are some discussion prompts to help: What would they miss if they didn’t use social media anymore? Do they predominantly use social media to keep in touch with friends and family, or something else? How might the social media ban change how they connect with others? Is it better to meet up in person, talk over the phone, or message? Are there other ways to connect with others without being on social media? What can they do with their time without using social media? How might your experiences of social media affect how you feel about the ban? How might someone with a negative experience feel? Make a plan for healthy habits This sort of reflection makes way for discussion about how we use our phones and instilling healthy habits. Much of the discourse around the social media ban has centred on the negative impact social media can pose on children's daily lives – from affecting sleep, to hindering attention spans. When announcing the ban, Sir Keir Starmer noted social media apps are “designed to be addictive” which can “lock you in for hours”. Use this news as an opportunity to reflect on children's current habits – both online and offline. From curbing screen time, to incorporating more time spent outdoors and exercising, or perhaps getting creative or reading, this is a good chance to think about what children like to do beyond the screens, and work on implementing healthy habits together. Key focus for talking to children about the social media ban Above all, with news of the social media ban for under-16s in the UK, there will undoubtedly be big responses and feelings from children and young people. Change is underway, but as teachers and parents, we can support them to still feel safe, connected and listened to, whilst helping them to build healthy habits online and offline.
