Should under-16s be banned from social media? Exeter residents divided

Exeter residents are being asked whether children under 16 should be banned from social media, as the Government prepares a national consultation on tightening online safety laws.

Steve Race has launched a local survey to gather views from parents, young people and professionals across the city. 

The consultation follows growing national concern about screen time, online harm and the impact of social media on teenagers’ wellbeing.

Under the Online Safety Act 2023, technology companies are required to remove illegal content and protect children from harmful material. 

However, ministers have indicated that further measures may be considered, including raising the minimum age for social media access to 16 and reviewing mobile phone use in schools.

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National data illustrates the scale of youth engagement online. Ofcom reports that 99 per cent of 12 to 15-year-olds use the internet, and most own a smartphone. 

Research from the Children’s Commissioner has previously suggested that children spend an average of four to five hours a day online, with usage typically higher at weekends.

At the same time, NHS figures show that one in five children and young people aged eight to 25 had a probable mental health disorder in 2023, compared with one in nine in 2017. 

While experts caution that mental health trends are influenced by multiple factors, concerns have been raised about the role of social media in sleep disruption, anxiety and body image pressures.

The debate has intensified following action overseas. The Australian Government has announced plans to ban under-16s from accessing platforms including Snapchat, TikTok and X, prompting discussion in the UK about whether similar restrictions should apply.

In Exeter, opinion appears divided. Sarah Thompson, a mother of two from St Thomas, said she would support a ban. 

“I don’t think children under 16 are emotionally ready for what they can be exposed to online. Even with parental controls, things slip through. I’d rather see a clear national rule than leave it to families to police on their own.”

James Patel, a father from Heavitree, said enforcement would be key. “In principle I think raising the age makes sense, but I’m not sure how it would work in practice.”

“Teenagers are tech-savvy. If it just pushes them onto less regulated platforms, that could create different problems.”

Mark Reynolds, who works with young people in Exeter, said the focus should be on platform accountability: “There are genuine risks online, particularly around harmful content and image sharing. But a blanket ban may not address the root causes.”

“Stronger regulation of companies and better digital literacy could be more effective.”

Mr Race said he had already received nearly 500 emails from constituents calling for tougher restrictions. 

He said he wanted to reflect a broad range of views in his submission to the Government’s consultation.

Earlier this month, the Exeter MP hosted an event in Parliament with the UK Safer Internet Centre and Exeter-based South West Grid for Learning, focusing on the impact of artificial intelligence on young people. 

He has also raised concerns in the House of Commons about non-consensual deepfake images and highlighted new technology designed to help remove such material more quickly.

The Government’s three-month consultation is expected to launch shortly, with responses sought from parents, professionals and young people. 

Exeter residents can also take part in Mr Race’s local survey as the debate continues over whether under-16s should be allowed on social media.