Scottish Labour calls for social media ban for under-16s

Australia and France recently introduced new age restrictions for social media amid rising concerns about the toll these platforms are taking on young people’s mental health.

Mr Sarwar has now called for the UK to introduce a similar ban for those under the age of 16, in a bid to “give kids the childhood they deserve”.

He warned that there is a “mental health emergency” taking hold among young people, with thousands of children and young people in Scotland being referred to CAMHS every month.

Mr Sarwar said: “We already know the risks young people face online – whether it’s cyberbullying, addictive habits, or exposure to extreme content and views. As a parent I know the status quo isn’t working. Social media is interfering with kids’ ability to learn and it is fuelling a growing mental health emergency.

“We cannot stand by young people are being failed by a system that doesn’t protect them. Scottish Labour has long called for a ban on mobile phones in schools, so classrooms can become safe places to learn again – but we need to go further.

“We need to stand with parents and give kids the childhood they deserve by delivering a full ban on social media use for under 16s. This will help protect young people from harmful and hateful content online and it will free them from their phones so they can enjoy these years.”