Is this a real turning point? The British government is bringing in tough new social media laws to protect teenagers from harmful content. But some wonder whether they go far enough.
UK could ban under-18s from social media
Is this a real turning point? The British government is bringing in tough new social media laws to protect teenagers from harmful content. But some wonder whether they go far enough.
Olivia woke up one morning and immediately reached for her phone. She opened TikTok, looking for some diverting videos to kick start her day. Instead she got a red screen with the message: "Account suspended". Olivia's life would never be the same again.
A social media ban might seem ridiculous. But for younger teenagers in Britain it might be about to become reality.1
This Wednesday, OfcomThe Office of Communications regulates broadcasting, telecommunications and the postal industry in the UK. revealed a draft of its new rules. Under these rules users will have to prove they are over 13 years old using photo ID.2 Tech firms that do not comply with the rules will be heavily fined.3
This could see millions of accounts closed. As many as 51% children aged three to 12 use a social media app.
Yet this might be only the tip of the iceberg. If tech firms do not follow new rules to protect children, the ban will be extended to everyone under 18.
The proposed changes follow the UK government's new Online Safety Act. This aims to make technology companies more responsible for children's online safety.
The act's supporters claim that social media fails to protect young people from a huge amount of harmful and obscene material. As Michelle Donelan, the government minister behind the act, says: "60% of teens say they are witnessing real-life acts of violence on social media".
It follows several deaths connected with social media. The new restrictions are intended to prevent further tragedies.
Some think they do not go far enough. Questions remain over how the changes will be implemented and some fear that teenagers could find a way around the ban. Hollie Dance, whose 12-year-old son died in a TikTok stunt, says that a third of teenagers online are actually using an adult age.
It is also debatable how much social media affects young people's wellbeing. Psychologist Andrew Przybylski writes: "there's actually very limited solid evidence that demonstrates social media causes mental health issues in children".
Global mental health data from 168 countries over the last 18 years suggests the Internet has had a negligible effect, that only 0.4% of a child's wellbeing is linked to time spent on digital devices.4
Is this a real turning point?
Yes: Social media has become increasingly powerful. The UK government has finally mounted a counterattack. Even if these bills are not effective, the door has been opened to further restriction.
No: The ban will require an enormous effort from social media companies in order for it to work. They already fail to remove harmful content, so they are unlikely to be much better at banning underage users.
Or... It is, but not for the reason lawmakers think. By forcing social media to identify users with photo IDs, the government is unwittingly giving social media companies yet more of our personal data.
Ofcom - The Office of Communications regulates broadcasting, telecommunications and the postal industry in the UK.
UK could ban under-18s from social media

Glossary
Ofcom - The Office of Communications regulates broadcasting, telecommunications and the postal industry in the UK.