Social Media, Young People and Connection: Proposed Under-16 Ban

The Government's recent announcement regarding a proposed ban on social media for under-16s is likely to spark significant discussion across education, safeguarding, healthcare and family settings. As a therapeutic Alternative Provision, we welcome opportunities to reflect on how technology is shaping the lives of the children and young people we support. However, we also believe that this conversation requires nuance, balance and a focus on the wider needs of young people.

Why Are Concerns Being Raised?

Many of the concerns surrounding social media are understandable.

Across education and youth services, professionals are increasingly seeing the impact of online bullying, harmful content, social comparison, unrealistic expectations, sleep disruption and exposure to inappropriate material. There are also growing concerns about online exploitation, grooming and the influence of algorithms designed to maximise engagement. For many families, social media can feel overwhelming and difficult to monitor. Parents often report concerns about screen time, emotional wellbeing and the pressures young people experience online.

These concerns should not be dismissed.

Understanding the Adolescent Brain

Research tells us that adolescence is a crucial period of brain development.

The parts of the brain responsible for impulse control, emotional regulation, planning, decision-making and risk assessment continue developing well into early adulthood. Young people are therefore naturally more sensitive to rewards, peer influence and immediate feedback than adults.

When combined with platforms designed to encourage repeated engagement through notifications, likes, comments and personalised content, it is understandable why many professionals are questioning the impact of social media on developing minds.

Supporting young people to understand these influences is an important part of modern safeguarding and education.

The Other Side of the Conversation

However, we also believe it is important to recognise the role social media currently plays in many young people's lives.

For some young people, online spaces are not simply entertainment. They are places where friendships are maintained, interests are explored and communities are found.

This can be particularly true for young people with SEND, social anxiety, EBSA (Emotionally Based School Avoidance), autism or those who may feel isolated from their peers.

Many of the young people we support have experienced difficulties accessing traditional social opportunities. For some, online communities provide a sense of belonging that they struggle to find elsewhere.

While there are risks associated with these spaces, there are also genuine benefits that should be acknowledged.

What Happens If We Remove Online Communities?

One question we believe deserves greater attention is this:

If we reduce access to online communities, what are we replacing them with?

Connection is a fundamental human need.

If young people spend less time online, we must ensure there are sufficient opportunities for them to connect, socialise and belong elsewhere. This means investing in youth services, community projects, mentoring programmes, sports clubs, creative activities, mental health support and safe social spaces.

Over recent years, many youth services across the country have faced significant reductions in funding and availability. Yet these are often the very services that help young people build confidence, relationships and resilience.

A reduction in digital social spaces may increase the need for investment in physical and community-based alternatives.

Restriction Alone Is Not Enough

At Futures-Essex, we believe that safeguarding cannot rely solely on restriction.

Whether social media access changes or remains the same, young people will still need the skills to navigate an increasingly digital world.

This includes:

• Digital literacy.

• Critical thinking.

• Understanding online risks.

• Healthy boundaries.

• Emotional regulation.

• Managing screen time.

• Building positive relationships.

• Knowing where to seek help and support.

These skills are essential not only for social media use but for future employment, education and participation in modern society.

A Balanced Way Forward

As discussions continue, we hope the conversation remains focused on the wider wellbeing of children and young people.

Protecting young people from harm is vital. Equally important is ensuring they have opportunities to connect, belong, develop independence and participate meaningfully in their communities.

For us, the question is not simply whether social media is good or bad. It is how we create environments—both online and offline—that help young people thrive.

Whatever changes may come through future legislation, our commitment remains unchanged: supporting young people to build confidence, resilience, healthy relationships and the skills needed to navigate the world safely.

Because every young person deserves not only protection from harm, but meaningful opportunities to connect, grow and belong.