Scottish youth groups call for rethink of UK social media ban

The proposal, announced in June by former prime minister, Sir Keir Starmer, would prevent children from accessing platforms including TikTok, Snapchat and Instagram and is expected to come into force in early 2027.

The Scottish Youth Parliament (SYP), Children and Young People’s Commissioner Scotland and charities including Children in Scotland have urged the government to give young people a greater role in shaping the legislation.

SYP research found that 81 per cent of young people believe the ban could lead them to use riskier methods to access social media.

The organisations are also calling for a children’s rights impact assessment before the proposals are introduced, citing the adoption of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child into Scots law.

Ellie Craig MSYP, chair of the Scottish Youth Parliament, said: “Young people know the risks that exist online and want safer online spaces just as much as anyone else, but legislation affecting millions of young people cannot be developed without properly listening to those who will live with its consequences.

“We are asking the prime minister to work with young people, not simply make decisions on our behalf. Our message is straightforward - we want safer social media, but we also want policies that are based on evidence, that respect children’s rights and genuinely make young people safer rather than unintentionally pushing them towards greater risks.”

Australia became the first country to introduce a social media ban for under-16s last year. However, research found that more than 80 per cent of under-16s were still using social media three months after the legislation took effect. The Australian government has since doubled the maximum financial penalties for platforms that fail to comply.

Ms Craig said: “If the government is determined to proceed with these proposals, then young people must have a seat at the table and not be an afterthought. What is happening in Australia can be avoided by consulting with the people who will be most affected.”