Prime Minister Keir Starmer's proposal to ban social media for under-16s has sparked debate, with critics arguing it may be ineffective and counterproductive. While the move aims to protect children from online harms, evidence from Australia—where similar legislation passed in December 2024—shows limited impact: two-thirds of young people retained their accounts, and 51% of affected users now see less news.
Young people rely heavily on social media for news, often encountering it incidentally amid other content. Removing access without creating alternative information routes could leave them disconnected from current affairs. The Guardian Foundation, which runs media literacy programmes in UK schools, warns that a ban alone ignores the positive aspects of social media, such as connection and self-expression, especially as other youth spaces have closed.
Media literacy education, set to join the national curriculum in England in September 2028, is seen as a more sustainable solution. Programmes teach children to verify information, understand algorithms, and recognise manipulation tactics. Research links media literacy to improved civic engagement and resilience against misinformation.
However, critics note that media literacy funding remains insufficient. The Guardian Foundation's Rosie Parkyn argues that a good strategy requires more educational content and investment, not just restrictions. She emphasises the need to help young people navigate existing information ecosystems while building better ones.
