British teens resist Australian-style social media ban

Britain has become increasingly aware of the risks of social media to children. Read more at straitstimes.com.

LONDON – British teenagers, like their peers abroad, have a conflicted relationship with social media.

They know it can feed them a diet of “brain rot” content that keeps them glued to their phones while making money for big tech. Yet, it is central to their lives, and many do not think it is the government’s job to ban it.

Britain, like other countries in Europe and beyond, is considering ways to restrict social media after becoming increasingly aware of the risks to children. It could follow Australia in imposing a ban for under-16s.

The government has asked “everyone with a view” to contribute to a public consultation, which closes in May.

Young people aged 16 to 18 at one south London school said Snapchat, Instagram and TikTok helped them socialise, make new connections and learn about the world.

But there were downsides: the platforms sometimes left them unhappy or exhausted, vulnerable to bullying and harmful content, and they knew the apps were designed to keep them scrolling.