The UK government has launched a consultation on limiting social media by age.
As a public health charity, the Foundation’s priority is to prevent mental health problems. That includes making sure online spaces are safe and that children are free from the mental health impacts of harmful content, and the algorithms that serve it to them.
Mark Rowland, Chief Executive at the Mental Health Foundation, said:
“Change is needed to re-balance power in favour of users and greater accountability of social media companies when users are exploited or harmed. For too long, young people have been exposed to harmful material that is damaging their mental health and has resulted in self-harm and suicide.
“A ban on social media use for under-16s has potential but also carries risks. If a ban effectively reduced children’s exposure to harmful content, protected them from addictive algorithms and reduced commercial pressures on children, we could support it.
“However, there are challenges in implementation and risks of unintended consequences. We have concerns a ban could block vulnerable children from seeking help and accessing supportive online communities, or drive them to riskier online spaces. We must review the emerging evidence from Australia.
“Social media is not a single entity and another option is considering individual age limits for sites that takes into account the risk associated with their content.
“In addition, the Online Safety Act contains many powers for keeping children safe online, and can be strengthened further. All options should be considered as part of this review and we will continue to work with policy makers, parents and young people to fight for mental health protections.”