Should we ban social media for under-16s? – podcast

The UK Prime Minister, Keir Starmer, has proposed a ban on social media for individuals under 16, mirroring and expanding upon a similar ban implemented in Australia last year. This initiative is part of a broader online safety drive aimed at protecting younger users. While many parents have expressed support for the ban, scientists have raised concerns about the insufficient evidence to prove the effectiveness of such prohibitions. Additionally, some campaigners argue that this proposal might divert attention from the need for social media companies to implement substantial changes to their platforms, rather than addressing the root causes of harm. The podcast explores the existing evidence regarding the harms of social media and the potential impact of an outright ban.