Government Admits No Internal Modelling on Under-16 Social Media Ban
The Department for Science, Innovation and Technology has revealed it has conducted no internal modelling or analysis on the potential impacts of a proposed ban on social media for children under 16. This admission comes amid growing pressure for government action to protect young people online.
Key Areas Without Analysis
In response to a Freedom of Information request by the Press Association, DSIT confirmed it has "not done any modelling or analysis" on how such measures would affect:
- Children's mental health and wellbeing
- Young people's access to news and information
- How teenagers might bypass any implemented restrictions
The department stated that internal modelling had not been carried out because "clear, agreed evidence does not currently exist" in these crucial areas.
Campaigners Urge Caution
Andy Burrows, chief executive of the Molly Rose Foundation, has warned lawmakers against "rushing into" a social media ban for under-16s without proper evidence. "Parents are rightly demanding action from Government to protect children online but they want solutions to be effective and safe," he said.
Burrows emphasized that "it is crucial the Government follows all the available evidence about an under-16 social media ban before rushing into it." He pointed to polling of Australian teenagers that suggests such bans offer a "false sense of safety" while creating new challenges for parents.
Current Government Approaches
The government is currently piloting various measures aimed at limiting young people's social media use, including:
- App bans for certain platforms
- Time limits on daily usage
- Overnight curfews on access
Approximately 300 teenagers are participating in a six-week trial testing different restrictions, with ministers also considering options including an Australia-style ban on under-16s. These trials are intended to help build the evidence base for potential policy changes.
Evidence Gaps Highlighted
In its response, DSIT pointed to existing research led by University of Cambridge psychologist Professor Amy Orben. However, her report, published in January, highlights significant gaps in the evidence base.
The report notes a "lack of high-quality causal evidence linking children's mental health and wellbeing and their use of digital technologies." It specifically calls for "high quality experimental studies that test whether reducing adolescent social media use improves mental health."
Withheld Research Materials
DSIT's FOI response confirmed the department holds internal research and policy material on the issue but said it was being withheld under Freedom of Information laws covering the formulation of government policy.
The department argued that disclosure at this stage could lead to "misunderstanding or misinterpretation of preliminary evidence" and risk inhibiting "full and frank analysis" by officials.
Calls for Alternative Approaches
Rather than implementing bans, campaigners are calling for stronger regulation targeting what Burrows describes as "addictive and harmful design at source." He advocates for comprehensive protection across social media, gaming, and AI platforms.
A DSIT spokesperson stated: "We commissioned Dr Amy Orben to examine the evidence on the effects of social media on children, and published her findings earlier this year, because building the strongest possible evidence base is central to how we approach this issue."
The spokesperson added that the government is running "a national consultation, a national conversation, and pilots of specific interventions" to understand both public views and intervention impacts before making decisions. An expert academic panel will advise the government to ensure responses are "guided by the best evidence available."
