Social media ban

They say that a week is a long time in politics. Last week, Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced that under-16s will be banned from major social media platforms, including TikTok, Snapchat and Instagram. By the time you read this he may well no longer be Prime Minister. How this will affect the proposed legislation is anyone’s guess.

Assuming it goes ahead, by 2027 all under 16s will not be able to access most social media platforms, legally that is. Therein lies the rub. Every law that has ever been implemented has either been used for an alternative purpose or has been abused by members of society. Murder has been against the law for many years and is severely punished yet still goes on. Smoking and vaping is banned for under sixteens yet still goes on at the school gates.

I have come to the conclusion, however, that this is not the point. According to The i Paper, nine in ten parents would back a social media ban. ‘Most parents are so concerned about children’s social media use that they back Australian‑style restrictions for under‑16s, according to more than 80,000 responses to a UK government consultation.’

Whether the law is broken or not is not relevant. It will be very easy to circumvent, just ask an older sibling to use their account for example and who is going to police it anyway. I can’t imagine a law enforcement officer knocking on your door because your  teenager has gone on Snapchat. 

The change in the law gives legitimacy to parents who are concerned about their children’s relationship with their phones. Peer pressure will be removed. No longer will they feel obliged to let their children live their lives on their devices because everyone else is doing it. 

Personally I am not one for banning things. In the law of unintended consequences, banned things often became more attractive and of greater value than they were before. I also believe we have to take more responsibility for our own lives if we are able to. 

The ban, if it comes into force, will not stop young people from accessing social media though it will seriously limit its use. I wonder what they will do with all their new found free time?