If we ban under-16s from social media, are we creating a bigger problem?

I've seen growing calls for a ban on social media for under-16s, and whilst I completely understand the concerns around online safety, mental health, cyberbullying, and harmful content, I'm not convinced that prohibition is the answer.

In fact, I worry that it could create a new set of problems that are even harder to manage.

As somebody who has spent years working with children, young people, and families, I've learned that banning something rarely makes it disappear. More often than not, it simply pushes it elsewhere.

If social media platforms are required to implement strict age verification systems, many adults may be happy to comply. Others, however, may feel uncomfortable sharing additional personal information online. Some may view age verification as another step towards increased monitoring of internet activity. Whether that concern is justified or not, it is a concern that exists.

#The question we should be asking

What happens when people don't want to participate?

History shows us that when people feel locked out of mainstream platforms, they often look for alternatives.

Some of those alternatives may be harmless. Others may not be.

Whilst most people have never visited the dark web, it already hosts forums, communities, and communication platforms that operate outside the oversight of mainstream technology companies. If access to traditional social media becomes increasingly restricted, there is a risk that some users, including young people, will seek out less regulated spaces where there are fewer safeguards, less moderation, and significantly greater exposure to scams, harmful content, and criminal activity.

Ironically, a policy designed to make children safer online could result in some of them spending more time in places that are far less safe.

#Social media isn't going away

For today's generation, social media is not simply entertainment. It is communication, education, networking, creativity, community building, and increasingly a source of learning and opportunity.

Rather than asking how we can stop young people using social media, perhaps we should be asking how we can help them use it safely.

Instead of banning under-16s from social media altogether, I believe there are several alternatives worth exploring.

#1. Require child-friendly versions of platforms

We already have examples of this approach working. YouTube created YouTube Kids. Why not require major social media companies to develop equivalent versions of their platforms for younger users?

These environments could include:

• Enhanced moderation
• No direct messaging from strangers
• Restricted advertising
• Curated content feeds
• Stronger parental controls
• Educational content prioritisation

If technology companies are generating billions from user engagement, they should also be investing in age-appropriate environments.

#2. Make digital literacy a core part of education

Many children are handed smartphones before they've ever been taught how algorithms work, how misinformation spreads, how online grooming happens, or how to protect their privacy.

We teach road safety. We teach water safety. We teach financial literacy.

Why aren't we treating digital literacy with the same importance?

The best safeguard is not a ban. It is knowledge.

#3. Give parents better tools

Many parents feel overwhelmed by technology that evolves faster than they can keep up.

Governments could work with technology companies to create simpler and more effective parental controls, digital wellbeing dashboards, and educational resources that help families have meaningful conversations about online behaviour.

#4. Hold platforms accountable for harmful design

Too much of this debate focuses on children rather than the platforms themselves.

If endless scrolling, addictive recommendation algorithms, and engagement-at-all-costs business models are causing harm, then policymakers should focus on regulating those features.

The burden should not sit entirely with young people and parents.

#5. Introduce graduated access

Rather than a complete ban, platforms could offer different levels of functionality depending on age.

A 13-year-old's experience should not look identical to that of a 30-year-old. Certain features could unlock progressively as users get older and demonstrate responsible use.

#6. Create independent online safety standards

Just as we have health and safety regulations in workplaces, we could establish independent standards for online platforms.

Companies that fail to meet safeguarding requirements would face penalties, whilst those that demonstrate best practice could receive certification.

This would encourage innovation in safety rather than innovation in restriction.

#A better conversation

I don't believe most people supporting social media restrictions have bad intentions. Far from it. Most simply want children to be safe.

I want that too.

But safety is rarely achieved through prohibition alone.

The internet has always adapted around restrictions. Young people are often more technologically capable than policymakers give them credit for. If barriers are put in place, many will simply find ways around them.

The challenge isn't to keep young people away from technology. The challenge is to equip them to use technology responsibly, safely, and critically.

Because if we focus solely on banning access, we may end up pushing some young people away from the very platforms where safeguarding exists and into spaces where it doesn't.

And that would be an outcome none of us should want.