Social Media Ban Risks Increasing, Not Reducing, Online Harm
15 June 2026
The Children’s Law Centre has said that the announcement of a social media ban for under 16s risks increasing, not reducing, online harm. While concerns about safety are real, blanket bans ignore the root causes of harm, potentially push children into less regulated spaces and make them less likely to seek support.
Emma Murray, Policy and Public Affairs Officer at the Children’s Law Centre said: “The UK Government has also failed to meaningfully engage with children and young people ahead of this announcement. The views of children and young people must not be ignored when making a decision that affects their lives. Throughout our engagement with children and young people, including our youth panel Youth@CLC, young people have clearly stated that the onus should be placed on platforms to protect children and young people, rather than using the blunt tool of a blanket ban.
“A blanket ban does not reflect the complexity of children and young people’s online lives. The digital world is both a vital space for creativity, learning, identity and connection, while also being marked by inequality and risk. Ignoring this dual reality ignores children’s lived experiences.
“Participation and protection are not competing priorities. Approaches grounded in safety by design, platform accountability and co-design with children and young people can deliver both.
“CLC envisions an online world where children are not excluded or restricted. The UK Government should therefore seek to ensure that children are able to participate in the digital world safely, confidently, and with the complete range of their rights fully realised.”