It can be hard to get our children's attention when they are on a device. If you’ve ever found yourself in the situation where your children are physically present but mentally a thousand miles away in a TikTok scroll, you might be interested in the UK's recent news on potential changes coming.
What is Happening with the UK Social Media Ban?
The UK House of Lords recently voted to back a ban on social media for under-16s. They voted decisively to support an amendment to the Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Bill that would effectively ban under-16s from platforms like Instagram, Snapchat, and TikTok. The next stage will be for it to go to Parliament for discussion.
While the Government is still in a consultation phase, the pressure from parents, teachers, and even some MPs is massive. The goal is simple: to protect developing brains from the harm that constant digital comparison and addictive loops can cause. But as we know, what sounds simple in a debating chamber is often much messier in real life.
Will a ban actually help, or is it something that will backfire?
Lessons from the "Australian Experiment"
We only have to look across the globe to Australia to see how this looks in practice. Australia recently implemented a world-first ban for under-16s, and the results have been a mixed bag.
While the Australian government reported that millions of accounts were blocked in the first few weeks, the "digitally savvy" were quick to find workarounds. We’ve seen reports of teenagers using older siblings' faces, or wrinkling their faces to look old to pass verification! Alternatively, some have been simply using VPNs to bypass the rules. Critics there argue that a blanket ban might just push the harm "underground" where we can't see it, rather than teaching kids how to navigate the digital world mindfully.
The Heavy Toll on Mental Health
We are talking about a ban because the statistics on their impact on mental health are startling. Recent studies show that adolescents who spend more than three hours a day on social media face double the risk of experiencing poor mental health outcomes, including symptoms of depression and anxiety.
For many young people, particularly girls, the constant exposure to "perfect" lives leads to a cycle of body dissatisfaction and low self-esteem. When our worth is measured in likes and views, it can be difficult to see past that. It is easy to use our words and tell our children that their worth isn't measured by social media likes. However, experiencing social media validation (or the opposite) can make them feel like it is, and it is having a largely negative impact.
The Physical Impact of Social Media
It isn’t just about what’s happening in their heads; it’s about what’s happening to their bodies. Excessive social media use is directly linked to:
Sleep deprivation
The blue light from screens and the dopamine hits from notifications keep kids awake long after they should be resting, leading to irritability and poor concentration.
Sedentary lifestyle
By the age of 15, physical activity levels in many teens drop by nearly 50% compared to their younger years, often replaced by hours of sitting and scrolling.
Posture issues
We are seeing a generation with "tech neck" and repetitive strain before they’ve even finished school.
How We Can Navigate This Mindfully
Whether the ban becomes law or not, we can start making changes in our homes today. Here is how we can take the power back:
Tech Breaks
Instead of a total ban, we can encourage blocks of "device-free" time where we all put our phones in a basket/box. This normalises the idea that we don't need to be constantly online. It's a great opportunity to do things together and connect.
Lead by Example
It’s hard to tell our kids to get off their phones if we are checking our emails during their football matches or swimming lessons. We can show them what it looks like to be present, by putting our own devices away and paying attention to what is happening around us.
Prioritise "Active Connection"
Encourage hobbies that require physical presence and focus, like gardening, cooking, or even mindful colouring.
Talk About the Algorithm
Educate your children on why these apps feel so addictive. When they understand they are being manipulated by code, they often feel a sense of rebellion that makes them want to log off.
Use Mindful Tools Together
Introduce simple breathing techniques or grounding exercises when you notice them becoming overstimulated or anxious after being online.
How Would a Ban Actually be Implemented?
It’s the question every parent is asking: How on earth do you police the internet? While the legislation is still being shaped, here is what the implementation likely looks like:
Robust Age Verification: Platforms would be legally required to use "age-assurance" technology. This might involve facial age estimation (where an AI scans a face to check maturity) or uploading a form of ID.
Platform Liability: The burden shifts from parents to the tech giants. If companies like TikTok or Instagram allow under-16s on their platforms, they could face astronomical fines.
The "Duty of Care" Model: Schools and local authorities would likely play a role in digital literacy, but the heavy lifting would be done via the Online Safety Act, giving Ofcom the power to enforce these boundaries.
Helping Our Children Through the Transition
If this ban becomes a reality, it’s going to feel like a "digital detox" forced upon a generation that has never known a world without screens. This transition needs to be handled with a lot of grace and mindfulness. Here is how we can help them navigate the change:
Validate the "Digital Grief"
For many teens, social media is their entire social circle. Acknowledge that losing this feels like a real loss. Use phrases like, "I know this feels frustrating and unfair, and it's okay to be annoyed about it."
Co-Create New "Analogue" Traditions
We can't just take something away. We have to fill the space. Ask them what they’ve always wanted to try - whether it’s a boxing class, learning the guitar, or even a weekly family games night (free, and fun!).
Phase it Out, Don't Just "Rip the Plaster"
If the law allows for a transition period, start reducing "scroll time" now. Use the "15-minute rule". Encourage them to put the phone in another room for just 15 minutes of mindful activity, gradually increasing the time.
Explain the "Why" Behind the "No"
Instead of making it about "rules", make it about their brain. Share the stats, like how social media use can double the risk of anxiety symptoms - and explain that we are protecting their peace, not just taking away their fun.
Model the Behaviour We Want to See
This is the tough one! We can't expect them to embrace a ban if we are still scrolling through Facebook at 11:00 PM. We have to be role models to our children though and put our own phones down first. It doesn't have to be all the time, but we need to not be 'glued' to our screens.
Some of the Biggest Challenges Can be a Blessing
The thought of a sudden ban can feel overwhelming for both parents and children. But remember, this isn't about restriction for the sake of it - it's about reclaiming our children’s mental space and physical health. Whether the ban comes into force tomorrow or next year, we have the power to start building a more mindful home right now.
Is a social media ban for under-16s the answer to our children’s mental health crisis?
It can be hard to get our children's attention when they are on a device. If you’ve ever found yourself in the situation where your children are physically present but mentally a thousand miles away in a TikTok scroll, you might be interested in the UK's recent news on potential changes coming.
What is Happening with the UK Social Media Ban?
The UK House of Lords recently voted to back a ban on social media for under-16s. They voted decisively to support an amendment to the Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Bill that would effectively ban under-16s from platforms like Instagram, Snapchat, and TikTok. The next stage will be for it to go to Parliament for discussion.
While the Government is still in a consultation phase, the pressure from parents, teachers, and even some MPs is massive. The goal is simple: to protect developing brains from the harm that constant digital comparison and addictive loops can cause. But as we know, what sounds simple in a debating chamber is often much messier in real life.
Will a ban actually help, or is it something that will backfire?
Lessons from the "Australian Experiment"
We only have to look across the globe to Australia to see how this looks in practice. Australia recently implemented a world-first ban for under-16s, and the results have been a mixed bag.
While the Australian government reported that millions of accounts were blocked in the first few weeks, the "digitally savvy" were quick to find workarounds. We’ve seen reports of teenagers using older siblings' faces, or wrinkling their faces to look old to pass verification! Alternatively, some have been simply using VPNs to bypass the rules. Critics there argue that a blanket ban might just push the harm "underground" where we can't see it, rather than teaching kids how to navigate the digital world mindfully.
The Heavy Toll on Mental Health
We are talking about a ban because the statistics on their impact on mental health are startling. Recent studies show that adolescents who spend more than three hours a day on social media face double the risk of experiencing poor mental health outcomes, including symptoms of depression and anxiety.
For many young people, particularly girls, the constant exposure to "perfect" lives leads to a cycle of body dissatisfaction and low self-esteem. When our worth is measured in likes and views, it can be difficult to see past that. It is easy to use our words and tell our children that their worth isn't measured by social media likes. However, experiencing social media validation (or the opposite) can make them feel like it is, and it is having a largely negative impact.
The Physical Impact of Social Media
It isn’t just about what’s happening in their heads; it’s about what’s happening to their bodies. Excessive social media use is directly linked to:
Sleep deprivation
The blue light from screens and the dopamine hits from notifications keep kids awake long after they should be resting, leading to irritability and poor concentration.
Sedentary lifestyle
By the age of 15, physical activity levels in many teens drop by nearly 50% compared to their younger years, often replaced by hours of sitting and scrolling.
Posture issues
We are seeing a generation with "tech neck" and repetitive strain before they’ve even finished school.
How We Can Navigate This Mindfully
Whether the ban becomes law or not, we can start making changes in our homes today. Here is how we can take the power back:
Tech Breaks
Instead of a total ban, we can encourage blocks of "device-free" time where we all put our phones in a basket/box. This normalises the idea that we don't need to be constantly online. It's a great opportunity to do things together and connect.
Lead by Example
It’s hard to tell our kids to get off their phones if we are checking our emails during their football matches or swimming lessons. We can show them what it looks like to be present, by putting our own devices away and paying attention to what is happening around us.
Prioritise "Active Connection"
Encourage hobbies that require physical presence and focus, like gardening, cooking, or even mindful colouring.
Talk About the Algorithm
Educate your children on why these apps feel so addictive. When they understand they are being manipulated by code, they often feel a sense of rebellion that makes them want to log off.
Use Mindful Tools Together
Introduce simple breathing techniques or grounding exercises when you notice them becoming overstimulated or anxious after being online.
How Would a Ban Actually be Implemented?
It’s the question every parent is asking: How on earth do you police the internet? While the legislation is still being shaped, here is what the implementation likely looks like:
Robust Age Verification: Platforms would be legally required to use "age-assurance" technology. This might involve facial age estimation (where an AI scans a face to check maturity) or uploading a form of ID.
Platform Liability: The burden shifts from parents to the tech giants. If companies like TikTok or Instagram allow under-16s on their platforms, they could face astronomical fines.
The "Duty of Care" Model: Schools and local authorities would likely play a role in digital literacy, but the heavy lifting would be done via the Online Safety Act, giving Ofcom the power to enforce these boundaries.
Helping Our Children Through the Transition
If this ban becomes a reality, it’s going to feel like a "digital detox" forced upon a generation that has never known a world without screens. This transition needs to be handled with a lot of grace and mindfulness. Here is how we can help them navigate the change:
Validate the "Digital Grief"
For many teens, social media is their entire social circle. Acknowledge that losing this feels like a real loss. Use phrases like, "I know this feels frustrating and unfair, and it's okay to be annoyed about it."
Co-Create New "Analogue" Traditions
We can't just take something away. We have to fill the space. Ask them what they’ve always wanted to try - whether it’s a boxing class, learning the guitar, or even a weekly family games night (free, and fun!).
Phase it Out, Don't Just "Rip the Plaster"
If the law allows for a transition period, start reducing "scroll time" now. Use the "15-minute rule". Encourage them to put the phone in another room for just 15 minutes of mindful activity, gradually increasing the time.
Explain the "Why" Behind the "No"
Instead of making it about "rules", make it about their brain. Share the stats, like how social media use can double the risk of anxiety symptoms - and explain that we are protecting their peace, not just taking away their fun.
Model the Behaviour We Want to See
This is the tough one! We can't expect them to embrace a ban if we are still scrolling through Facebook at 11:00 PM. We have to be role models to our children though and put our own phones down first. It doesn't have to be all the time, but we need to not be 'glued' to our screens.
Some of the Biggest Challenges Can be a Blessing
The thought of a sudden ban can feel overwhelming for both parents and children. But remember, this isn't about restriction for the sake of it - it's about reclaiming our children’s mental space and physical health. Whether the ban comes into force tomorrow or next year, we have the power to start building a more mindful home right now.
Lauren Evans