A schoolgirl's reply to a BBC presenter's enquiry about the social media ban has gone viral. Sir Keir Starmer announced on Monday, June 15, that those under 16 will be prohibited from accessing social media platforms to safeguard their well-being and security.
He indicated the ban would provide youngsters with additional time, liberty and prospects, stating: "That is all any parent wants. They want to know that Britain will be better for their children, that they will get a fair chance." Should it receive parliamentary approval, the ban is set to take effect by spring 2027, the Prime Minister confirmed.
The announcement hasn't been universally welcomed, with numerous young people facing the prospect of losing their social media access expressing disappointment. One teenager featured on BBC Breakfast delivered a response that left audiences "howling".
BBC Breakfast Coverage
While presenters Jon Kay and Sally Nugent remained in the studio, BBC journalist Fiona Lamdin reported live from a school in Tarleton, Lancashire. She explained: "I'm just outside Preston at Tarleton Academy. As I arrived this morning, I watched the pupils. These pupils are from year seven to year nine, so aged 11-14. Like many schools across the country, they put their phone in a pouch which is then locked, a magnetic lock and they cannot then get to that throughout the whole school day."
This school is completely phone-free. Fiona added: "I have to say, we have asked with the permission of the head for the pupils to get their phones out this morning so we can get their screen time." Fiona then interviewed several pupils whose weekend screen times ran into multiple hours.
Students' Reactions
One youngster estimated his usage at between two and four hours, but was shocked to discover he'd clocked up ten hours in a single day, primarily on TikTok, "scrolling because I'm bored". He acknowledged: "I'll just have to adapt, maybe go read a book or go outside," if the proposed restrictions were implemented. "I'll feel quite disappointed, because I've got nothing else to do throughout the day, so I'll just have to do other things that will be fun."
While he'd suggested alternative activities if social media were banned, another pupil remained sceptical. Hours later, BBC Breakfast returned to Fiona in Lancashire following Sir Keir's announcement, as she spoke again with the youngsters about the newly confirmed ban.
Isabella's Viral Moment
The majority of pupils expressed their dismay, with schoolgirl Isabella revealing: "I didn't think it would actually happen, I kind of thought he would chicken out of it and give it more time or more consideration but he seems pretty sure of it and I'm not sure if I agree with him." She expressed concern about losing contact with her friends, noting that she primarily relied on social media to stay in touch with her family.
After disclosing her weekend screen time totalled nine hours, Isabella was questioned by Fiona about how she'd fill her time going forward. Isabella's deadpan reply came swiftly: "Stare at a wall."
Viewers were left in stitches, circulating the footage across social platforms with one user writing: "This diva's got the best reaction to the social media ban x." Icon," someone responded, while another commented: "SCREAMING. HOWLING," a further viewer posted, with one individual adding: "Nahh, she's jokes." BBC Breakfast broadcasts every day from 6am on BBC One and iPlayer.
