Social media ban ‘won’t keep children safe’, children commissioner warns

There is a lack of evidence to show that a blanket ban on social media for under-16s would keep children safer online, according to the Children and Young People’s Commissioner Scotland. 

Nicola Killean has said that a ban would not currently be a proportionate, effective, or enforceable way to protect children’s rights, and that it could inadvertently push children to less regulated or riskier parts of the internet.  

It comes in response to the UK Government’s consultation on whether to introduce a minimum age for accessing online platforms such as social media – a move already taken by the Australian Government. 

Killean said: “The evidence so far on bans is limited, mixed, and still emerging. Blanket restrictions can risk shifting responsibility away from platforms and onto children. 

“A ban does little to address underlying issues such as exploitative algorithms, and business models that drive harmful content and engagement.”     

The commissioner's office undertook a children’s rights impact assessment (CRIA), considering how a social media ban may affect the rights of children and young people positively and negatively.  

It also worked with a group of advisors aged between 12 and 17 from across Scotland to better inform its response.  

Killean added: “Evidence shows that social media can expose children to serious risks, including harmful content, cyberbullying, manipulation, contact from strangers, exploitation and excessive use.  

“However, it also shows that social media can play an important role in many children’s lives by supporting communication, self-expression, access to information, participation, play, and connection with communities and support networks.”