Scottish Youth Groups Urge Prime Minister to Rethink Social Media Ban

The Scottish Youth Parliament, leading a coalition of more than 150 youth organizations and individuals, has written to Prime Minister Keir Starmer urging him to rethink a proposed social media ban for children under 16. The legislation, which could be implemented by spring 2027, aims to increase online safety, but campaigners warn it may unintentionally drive young people toward less regulated and riskier parts of the internet.

The coalition argues that a total ban is ineffective, citing a University of Newcastle study showing that over 80% of under-16s in Australia continued using social media three months after a similar ban began in December 2025. The group is calling for a children's rights impact assessment, referencing the 2024 incorporation of the UN Convention on the Rights of the Child into Scots Law. They have offered to facilitate a meeting between the Prime Minister and Scottish youth to develop evidence-based policies.

A spokesperson for the Government of the United Kingdom defended the policy, stating that a consultation of 116,000 people revealed that two-thirds of young respondents supported a minimum age of 16 for at least some social media platforms.