Navigating the Social Media Ban: A Parent's Guide to Supporting Teens
The impending social media ban for children under 16 presents a significant challenge for families across the United Kingdom. While many parents welcome the legislation, experts warn it will create a substantial void in many young people's lives and require careful emotional navigation.
According to recent surveys, approximately two-thirds of British parents support the upcoming restrictions, recognising the complex challenges social media presents to a generation raising children with technology they didn't grow up with themselves.
Listening Without Judgement: The First Step
When teenagers express distress about losing access to their accounts, parenting specialists emphasise that listening should be the priority. "If a teenager is stressed about the upcoming ban, parents should focus on listening without trying to fix the situation or justify the ban," says Derek McCormack of the Raising Children Network. "Often, teenagers aren't expecting parents to fix things – they just want them to listen."
Dr Jo Orlando, author of Generation Connected: How to parent in a digital world, explains that for teenagers, friendships form the cornerstone of their developmental stage. The social media ban effectively disrupts their primary communication channels, which can feel like profound punishment.
Parents have reported teenagers becoming inconsolable about the ban, with some expressing concerns about losing access to educational content on YouTube or platforms for creative expression like TikTok, where they receive validation for their artwork.
Practical Strategies for the Transition
Experts recommend several practical approaches to help young people through this transition:
- Acknowledge their loss and empathise with their situation
- Ask open-ended questions about how they're preparing for the change
- Discuss alternative communication methods like WhatsApp, Signal or Messenger for group chats
- Help them brainstorm ways to maintain important connections
Prof Lelia Green from Edith Cowan University suggests reassuring teenagers that parental support remains available if their alternative plans encounter difficulties. "It's sometimes easier for parents and teenagers to communicate when they're looking ahead at the road," she notes, recommending conversations during shared activities like walking the dog or driving.
Maintaining Boundaries and Vigilance
While the ban might create a false sense of security, experts caution that parental responsibility for online safety remains crucial. Justin Coulson, a parenting author and psychologist, expresses concern that "too many parents will think they can take their foot off the accelerator, that they don't have to worry because the kids are now taken care of from the screen's perspective. Nothing can be further from the truth."
Dr Kristy Corser of Digital Child at Queensland University of Technology warns that many platforms not covered by the ban still present risks. "If the platform is not on the age social media delay, it does not necessarily mean those other apps are safe for teens," she explains. "So I wouldn't say it takes parents off the hook."
Prof Green adds that tech-savvy young people will likely find workarounds, comparing the situation to "whack-a-mole" as they migrate to alternative platforms not affected by the legislation.
Parents should remain alert to changes in behaviour that might indicate adverse online experiences and ensure children know how to access support services if needed. Putting helpline numbers in visible locations like the refrigerator can provide discreet access to help during difficult moments.
