16/06/2026
So the Government have finally pulled the plug on social media for under-16s.
Taking something away is one thing, but there does need to be an element of replacing it with something equally attractive for young people. Not sure Youth Clubs will fill that gap quite as they might have done in the past.
But where do you actually draw the line? Should the Government really be exercising what is traditionally parental control? What about iPads in schools, Xboxes and PlayStations?
Of course, some children will find a way around it. They always do. However, at the very least, the new law may, I guess, help take away some of the peer pressure and social demands that come with being expected to use these platforms.
Let's be totally honest, most of us could probably do with a social media ban from time to time. As adults, we're all guilty of a bit of doom-scrolling.
As with any new law, there will be winners and losers. The children already heavily invested in this way of life are, for the most part, already over 16.
It reminds me of the proposed smoking age changes. If it was pushed through my youngest son, for his entire life, would need to ask an older friend or cousin to buy him ci******es if he ever wanted to smoke. Imagine being 50 years old and still not legally able to buy a packet of f**s because of the year you were born.
Whether you agree with the ban or not, it's certainly going to be an interesting social experiment.
