London: Teenagers in Britain are pushing back against growing calls to ban people under the age of 16 from using social media, warning that such a move would be unrealistic and unfair.
The debate has gained attention after Australia introduced a strict law banning children under 16 from having accounts on major social media platforms. The law requires technology companies to prevent underage users from accessing services such as Instagram, TikTok and Snapchat or face heavy penalties.
The move in Australia has triggered discussions in several countries, including the United Kingdom, where politicians and regulators are considering new ways to protect children online. However, many young people say banning social media entirely would not solve the problem.
Teenagers interviewed in Britain said social media plays an important role in their daily lives. They use platforms to communicate with friends, follow school activities, share creative content and stay informed about what is happening around them. Some admitted that social media can expose young users to bullying, harmful content and endless scrolling, but they said a complete ban would only push teenagers to find ways around the rules.
Many believe that young people would easily bypass restrictions using tools such as virtual private networks or by creating accounts with false ages. Technology experts also say that age limits already exist on many platforms but are often ignored or difficult to enforce.
The British government has not announced any plan for a nationwide ban. Instead, officials are studying different options to improve online safety for children. These include stronger age verification systems, limits on addictive features such as automatic video play and better protections against harmful content.
Lawmakers recently debated the idea of banning social media for under 16s but rejected the proposal. Some members of parliament argued that a strict ban could push children toward less regulated corners of the internet where risks may be even greater.
Regulators are now increasing pressure on technology companies to do more to protect young users. Authorities have asked major platforms to strengthen age checks and remove underage accounts that break their rules.
Meanwhile, early reports from Australia suggest that the ban there has had mixed results. Social media use among teenagers has dropped, but surveys indicate that a significant number of young people are still finding ways to access the platforms.
Experts say the debate reflects a wider global challenge. Governments are trying to reduce the harmful effects of social media on young people, including mental health concerns and online bullying, while also recognising that digital platforms have become a central part of modern communication.
For many teenagers in Britain, the issue is not whether social media should exist, but how it can be made safer without cutting them off from a world they already see as part of everyday life.