"Blanket ban on social media for under 16s risks missing the bigger picture"
Rather than focusing solely on restricting children's access, BASW is calling on the Government to place greater responsibility on technology companies to keep children and young people safe online.
Social workers see every day how online harms can affect children and young people. Issues such as grooming, exploitation, cyberbullying and exposure to harmful content are increasingly part of safeguarding work. BASW understands why there is growing concern about children's online safety and supports action to reduce these risks. However, there is little evidence that enforcing a full ban will address the root causes of online harm.
BASW is particularly concerned about the impact a ban could have on children in care, unaccompanied asylum-seeking children, disabled young people, LGBTQ+ young people, and others who rely on online communities and digital communication to maintain relationships and access support. For many children in care, social media helps them stay connected with friends, siblings and important people in their lives. For unaccompanied asylum-seeking children, online platforms can be a vital way of staying in touch with family members overseas.
We need to be careful that we don't create new problems.
BASW Interim CEO, Professor Sam Baron commented:
"Everyone wants children to be safer online, but we need to be careful that we don't create new problems while trying to solve existing ones. Social media can expose young people to risks, but it can also provide support, connection and a sense of belonging, particularly for children who may feel isolated or vulnerable.
"Keeping children safe online is essential, but safety, rights and participation should go hand in hand. We need solutions that tackle harmful platform design, strengthen safeguarding, and help young people build the skills they need to thrive in an increasingly digital world, rather than be excluded from it altogether.
"That means holding tech companies to account so the responsibility for safeguarding children doesn't fall entirely on young people, parents and carers. BASW will consider the UK Government's Bill when it is brought forward, and ensure that social workers are heard on this crucial issue."
BASW also insists that consideration and respect needs to be given for devolved administrations and their policymaking, particularly around the UNCRC, which is legislated for in Scotland and where public bodies are required by law to uphold the convention.
BASW has used our response to the UK Government's consultation on this issue to urge Ministers to focus on:
- Stronger regulation of technology companies
- Safety-by-design requirements for platforms used by children
- Better digital literacy education for young people and families
- Specialist training for social workers and safeguarding professionals
- Meaningful involvement of children and young people in decisions that affect them
We realise this is a contentious issue that is likely to bring about a broad range of views. BASW members are invited to get in touch to share their views with us by emailing policyadmin@basw.co.uk
