It’s likely that you are reading this after doomscrolling on Tiktok, or perhaps liking stories on Instagram, or even texting your friends on Snapchat. Social media is a key element ingrained into the everyday lives of teenagers in the UK; but what would you do if that was limited?
Behind the Ban
You may have heard the decision our previous prime minister, Kier Starmer, had made at the start of this year after growing concerns about the usage of social media and the effects it has on today's youths. After a government-ran national consultation surveyed through March and May of this year, it was made apparent that there was a demand for action, with results revealing that 9 out of 10 parents backed the ban.
What is Changing for You?
So, what does this mean for you? Whilst social media in general will be blocked for under-16s, those that are 16-17 will still have access to social platforms. Despite this, services such as live streaming and contacting unfamiliar accounts will be blocked as well as the introduction of a social media curfew from midnight to 6 AM.
The Big Question
All this prompts' discussions on whether teenagers are able to regulate their usage of social media, or if the government do need to take authority and put policies in place to protect youths from online dangers. Is it better to introduce protection whilst also blocking autonomy or should the government be instead educating teenagers on safely navigating the internet?
Amber Dhanda