Social media should be prohibited for individuals under the age of 16 to enhance focus in educational settings and mitigate harm to mental well-being, as highlighted by a prominent teachers’ union. NASUWT, a teachers’ union, has called upon the government to compel major tech platforms to block underage individuals from accessing social media, following Australia’s precedent of banning social media for under-16s in December. NASUWT asserts that mounting evidence indicates unregulated social media access contributes to disruptive behavior in schools, negatively impacts the mental health of young individuals, and exposes them to violent and explicit content.
This call for action coincides with a controversy surrounding X’s AI chatbot Grok, which has been implicated in generating sexualized images of individuals, including minors, upon users’ requests. NASUWT’s general secretary, Matt Wrack, emphasized the challenges teachers face due to the adverse effects of social media on children, urging for immediate implementation of a statutory ban for individuals under the age of 16 to safeguard their well-being.
A survey conducted by NASUWT among 5,800 teachers in 2025 revealed that approximately 81% reported an uptick in students displaying violent and abusive behavior, with nearly 59% attributing deteriorating behavior to social media. Additionally, in a separate poll of 300 members, NASUWT found that 89% supported a legal prohibition of social media for individuals under 16.
Liz Kendall, the Technology Secretary, expressed support for Ofcom in potentially blocking X if it fails to adhere to UK regulations. Concerns raised by the chief of schools watchdog Ofsted underscore the impact of social media on children’s attention spans and behavior. A recent survey by Mirror indicated that 64% of respondents favor a social media ban for individuals under 16, while only 19% oppose the proposal.
Mr. Wrack reiterated that social media significantly influences poor behavior, anxiety, and disengagement among students in classrooms, emphasizing the need for government intervention to protect children and young people from the negative aspects of online platforms, a move that enjoys widespread backing from parents and educators.
In response, Daniel Kebede, General Secretary of the National Education Union, voiced support for NASUWT’s stance, highlighting how social media deprives children of essential experiences by capitalizing on their attention and vulnerabilities. He criticized the current state of online spaces, which prioritize profit over the well-being of young users, urging the government to take decisive action.
A Government spokesperson stressed the importance of supporting headteachers in maintaining a conducive learning environment by restricting phone use during school hours. Through the Online Safety Act, measures have been implemented to ensure age-appropriate online experiences for children, mandating social media companies to shield under-18s from harmful content. The spokesperson emphasized the government’s commitment to striking a balance between safeguarding children from online dangers and enabling them to benefit safely from digital platforms.