A blanket ban on social media access for under-16s in the UK would be largely unenforceable, an online safety charity has warned, urging the government to instead target features that make platforms addictive. The Molly Rose Foundation, established in memory of Molly Russell who took her own life after exposure to harmful online content, expressed strong reservations about such a prohibition, particularly ahead of anticipated government announcements on online safety.
Andy Burrows, chief executive of the Molly Rose Foundation, told BBC Breakfast that he would be "dismayed" if the UK were to implement a ban similar to that seen in Australia, citing a lack of supportive evidence for its effectiveness. He highlighted that Australian data, where a ban was introduced in January, indicated that seven out of ten parents whose children already had social media accounts reported their children were still using the platforms in March. Mr Burrows described such policy-making as "incredibly high risk when we are talking about children's safety," advocating for an evidence-based approach.
Instead of a full ban, Mr Burrows suggested that the government should focus on enforcing tougher restrictions on specific features known to contribute to addiction and exposure to harmful material. These include autoplay functions, infinite scroll mechanisms, and the algorithms that "bombard" children with content. He emphasised that parents across the country are seeking "decisive action" and "measures that can actually succeed" from the government.
The discussion comes as Sir Keir Starmer is expected to outline the Labour Party's online safety proposals, following speculation about a potential ban. The UK government itself initiated a consultation in January on children's social media use, exploring various options for restrictions, which have included a blanket ban or the introduction of screen time limits. Government ministers have been examining the most effective ways to ensure young people's online safety.
The Molly Rose Foundation's stance underscores a growing debate within the UK about the most effective strategies to protect young people online. Critics of a ban argue that it could create a 'digital black market' where children access platforms without parental oversight, potentially increasing risks. Proponents, however, believe a clear age restriction sends a strong message and could compel platforms to implement more robust age verification. The challenge remains in finding a balance between protection and practicality in an increasingly digital world.