Banning under-16s from social media could harm vulnerable children - BASW
A ban on social media for under-16s risks “unintentionally harming vulnerable young people”, BASW has warned.
In response to the government’s consultation on introducing new measures to the Online Safety Act 2023, the association said a blanket ban failed to “address the root causes of online harm”.
It also risks pushing young people into dangerous unregulated online spaces, could increase social isolation and make it harder for vulnerable young people to access support.
The warning comes as media regulator Ofcom found stricter rules introduced with the Online Safety Act are doing little to protect children from harmful content.
Instead, BASW said the government should focus on:
- Stronger accountability for social media and technology companies
- Mandatory “safety by design” standards for platforms used by children
- Improved digital literacy education
- Specialist digital safeguarding training for social workers
- Involving children and young people directly in policymaking
BASW maintained online spaces can provide a vital space for connection, support and community for young people who are vulnerable or isolated.
These include children who are in care, LGBTQ+, disabled, unaccompanied asylum-seeking children and those who are experiencing social isolation.
Interim chief executive Sam Baron said: “This issue is far more complex than what the media and other commentary would have you believe. Social media comes with its risks, and parental supervision is important, but we cannot ignore that there are countless numbers of children whose parents need more support, or where their ‘parents’ are the local authority.
“Social workers need better guidance and training to keep up with where technology is going so we can best support young people.
“Social workers see first-hand both the risks and benefits of children’s online lives. Children must be protected from harm online, but blanket bans are unlikely to provide the balanced solution that vulnerable young people need.
“We need stronger accountability for technology companies, better digital education, and investment in safeguarding support while also protecting children’s rights to participation, connection, and access to support.”
The government consultation closes on 26 May. It proposes introducing additional measures to the Online Safety Act 2023 to better protecting children from online harm in response to increasing concerns over the mental health of young people.
Banning children under-16s from social media is one option being considered and would follow the example of Australia and an increasing number of other countries.
However, earlier this year children’s charities and online safety campaigners also warned it could create “unintended consequences” and a “false sense of safety”.
BASW urged policymakers to ensure new safeguarding measures are “proportionate, evidence-informed, and aligned with the UN’s Convention on the rights of the child.
Its position statement concludes: “A policy approach focused solely on banning social media risks overlooking the structural drivers of harm and may unintentionally restrict children’s rights and participation.
“Instead, BASW advocates for a balanced regulatory strategy that combines stronger platform accountability, digital education, professional training, and meaningful engagement with young people themselves.
“Such an approach aligns with the profession’s commitment to safeguarding children while supporting their right to participate safely and confidently in the digital world.”
Ofcom’s latest report on children and the online world found nearly three-quarters of 11 to 17-year-olds say they have seen harmful content online.
This has changed little since the Online Safety Act which saw measures such as age-verification come into force last year and has placed new duties on social media providers to remove harmful content.