BBC Breakfast viewers were left 'howling' after a schoolgirl delivered a deadpan response to the proposed social media ban for under-16s. Sir Keir Starmer announced on Monday that those under 16 will be prohibited from accessing social media platforms to safeguard their wellbeing and security.
Prime Minister's Announcement
Sir Keir Starmer revealed the restriction on 15 June, stating it would provide young people with additional time, freedom and prospects. He noted: '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 prohibition will take effect by spring 2027, the Prime Minister confirmed.
Reaction from Young People
The announcement has not been universally welcomed, particularly among younger people who face losing their social media access. One teenager featured on BBC Breakfast delivered a reaction that left audiences 'howling'. While presenters Jon Kay and Sally Nugent remained in the studio, BBC journalist Fiona Lamdin reported live from a school in Tarleton, Lancashire.
School's Phone Policy
Fiona 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. 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.'
Student Screen Time
Fiona then spoke with a number of pupils whose weekend screen time totalled several hours. One boy estimated his usage would be between two and four hours, yet it transpired he had clocked up ten hours of screen time in a single day, which he admitted was predominantly spent on TikTok, 'scrolling because I'm bored'. 'I'll just have to adapt, maybe go read a book or go outside,' he conceded, should the proposed changes come into effect. '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.'
Isabella's Viral Response
While he had suggested alternatives to occupy his time in the event of a social media ban, another pupil was far less optimistic. Just hours later, BBC Breakfast returned to Fiona in Lancashire, after Sir Keir's announcement, as she caught up with the children after the ban had been announced. Most of the students revealed their disappointment, and schoolgirl Isabella shared: '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 said she was most worried about not being able to contact her friends, adding that she mainly used social media to speak to her family.
After revealing her screen time over the weekend was nine hours, Isabella was asked by Fiona what she would now do with her spare time. Isabella's deadpan response followed: 'Stare at a wall.' Viewers were left in hysterics, re-sharing the clip on social media as one person captioned it: 'This diva's got the best reaction to the social media ban x.' 'Icon,' one person replied, as another said: 'SCREAMING.' 'HOWLING,' another wrote, while one person added: 'Nahh she's jokes.'
BBC Breakfast airs daily from 6am on BBC One and iPlayer.
