UK MPs Call for Ban on Addictive Social Media Features for Under-18s
Under-18s should be banned from 'addictive' social media features like 'infinite scrolling', warn MPs

Image: Mail Online
A group of UK MPs has urged the government to ban under-18s from using addictive social media features such as infinite scrolling and disappearing messages. The Education Committee's report highlights the severe harms children face online and calls for stricter regulations to ensure child safety on these platforms.
- 01The Education Committee recommends banning under-18s from accessing features like infinite scrolling and push notifications.
- 02Shadow education secretary Laura Trott emphasized that children are exposed to harmful content daily, including violence and self-hatred.
- 03The report calls for enforceable duties on social media companies to prioritize child safety and impose sanctions for non-compliance.
- 04The government's consultation on online safety for children is ongoing, with a full social media ban for under-16s under consideration.
- 05A separate report criticizes social media for encouraging young people to quit their jobs, contributing to a 'stranded generation.'
Advertisement
In-Article Ad
Members of Parliament (MPs) in the UK are advocating for a ban on addictive social media features for users under 18, citing significant risks to children’s mental health and safety. The Education Committee's report, published recently, calls for measures such as blocking infinite scrolling, disappearing messages, and push notifications, which they believe contribute to 'severe and systemic' harms. Shadow education secretary Laura Trott highlighted the exposure of children to extreme content, urging the government to act swiftly. The report also emphasizes that social media companies must take responsibility for the design choices that lead to these harms and suggests imposing 'clear, enforceable duties' on them. The ongoing government consultation is considering a full ban on social media for under-16s, reflecting growing concerns about children's online experiences. Additionally, a separate report has criticized social media's impact on young people's employment, labeling it as a factor in creating a 'stranded generation.' The government has expressed its commitment to child safety online but has yet to finalize specific actions.
Advertisement
In-Article Ad
If implemented, these recommendations could significantly alter how children interact with social media, potentially reducing exposure to harmful content.
Advertisement
In-Article Ad
Reader Poll
Should the government implement a full ban on social media for under-16s?
Connecting to poll...
Read the original article
Visit the source for the complete story.





