Teenagers across the United Kingdom are expressing mixed reactions as the government considers new restrictions on social media aimed at protecting children. Many young people acknowledge that platforms such as TikTok, Instagram, and Snapchat can consume large amounts of their time and sometimes expose them to harmful content. At the same time, they argue that these platforms have become an essential part of how they communicate, learn, and interact with the world.
The discussion comes as British policymakers examine possible regulations designed to limit children’s exposure to social media. One proposal being considered is a ban on users under the age of 16. The idea has drawn comparisons to a policy introduced in Australia, where lawmakers have already attempted to restrict younger users’ access to certain online platforms.
To gather public opinion, the UK government has opened a consultation process inviting input from parents, teachers, technology companies, researchers, and young people. The consultation period will run until May, after which officials will review the feedback before deciding whether new rules should be introduced.
While the debate continues among policymakers and experts, teenagers themselves are sharing their experiences with social media—offering a nuanced view that reflects both the advantages and challenges of growing up online.
Social Media Deeply Embedded in Teen Life
For many teenagers, social media has become one of the main ways they stay connected with friends and keep up with global trends. Students between the ages of 16 and 18 at a secondary school in south London said these platforms play a major role in their daily routines.
Apps like Snapchat, Instagram, and TikTok allow them to chat with friends, share photos and videos, and explore new ideas or interests. Through these networks, teenagers can connect with people who share similar hobbies, perspectives, or cultural backgrounds—even if they live in different countries.
At the same time, many students admitted they often spend more time on social media than they intend.
Seventeen-year-old Awand Khdir said that during the summer he spent as much as eight hours per day on TikTok. Although he has reduced that number to around three or four hours daily, he still believes the time commitment is excessive.
Khdir explained that much of the activity on the platform revolves around continuous scrolling through short videos. This type of usage, sometimes referred to as “doom scrolling,” can make it difficult for users to stop once they begin browsing. He also noted that some of the content appearing in feeds can be questionable or uncomfortable to watch.
Platforms Promote Safety Measures for Younger Users
Social media companies say they are aware of the concerns surrounding teenage users and have introduced features designed to make their platforms safer.
Snapchat has implemented protections specifically for users between the ages of 13 and 17. These include private accounts by default and restrictions that prevent younger users from accessing certain public profiles.
Instagram has rolled out specialized “Teen Accounts” that offer additional safeguards. These accounts provide stronger privacy settings, limits on sensitive material, and tools that allow parents or guardians to supervise their child’s activity.
TikTok has also added features aimed at reducing excessive screen time among younger users. Teen accounts are automatically set with a daily screen time reminder after 60 minutes of use. The platform also sends prompts encouraging users to stop browsing late at night and restricts some categories of content considered unsuitable for younger audiences.
However, several teenagers said such safeguards can often be bypassed, suggesting that technical restrictions alone may not fully prevent underage use.
Exposure to Negative Content and Online Criticism
While social media can be entertaining and informative, teenagers say it can also expose them to unpleasant experiences.
Seventeen-year-old Teyanna Charley said that scrolling through social media feeds sometimes means encountering a constant stream of negative posts, upsetting news, or hostile comments. She said repeatedly seeing such content can become emotionally exhausting.
Vish Ragutharan, 16, who runs a blog focused on film discussions, said sharing ideas online can attract both supportive and critical reactions. While positive comments are encouraging, he noted that harsh criticism is a common part of posting content publicly.
Some students also raised concerns about the way social media can influence body image and self-perception.
Joelle Azebaze Ayangma, 18, said watching videos featuring influencers or highly edited images can create unrealistic expectations. Comparing themselves to idealized online portrayals can make some teenagers feel dissatisfied with their appearance and damage their confidence.
Social Media Also Offers Benefits
Despite these challenges, many teenagers emphasized that social media still provides important benefits.
Sixteen-year-old Sumiksha Senthuran said spending time scrolling through content can serve as a temporary break from academic pressure. During stressful periods such as exam preparation, short moments of online distraction can help students relax.
Similarly, 17-year-old Elizabeth Alayande said social media gives young people a way to explore their identities and express themselves. By posting videos, sharing opinions, or interacting with communities that share their interests, teenagers can build confidence and develop their personal voice.
For some users, social media also serves as a tool for maintaining international connections. Ali Raza, 16, said the apps allow him to stay in touch with family members living abroad, making long-distance communication easier and more frequent.
Skepticism Toward a Complete Ban
Although teenagers acknowledge the potential dangers of excessive social media use, many remain skeptical about the idea of banning access for those under 16.
Sixteen-year-old Dua Arshia said strict bans might unintentionally push young users toward less regulated websites. She suggested that teenagers determined to access social media could move to alternative platforms where harmful content might be more common.
Others questioned whether such a ban would be practical to enforce.
Leah Osando, 17, pointed out that many young users are familiar with tools such as virtual private networks (VPNs) that can help them bypass online restrictions. Because of this, she believes a ban might not stop determined users from accessing the platforms.
Some teenagers also mentioned the increasing presence of artificial intelligence in online content. As AI-generated images and videos become more common, distinguishing between authentic material and computer-generated posts is becoming increasingly difficult.
Experts Urge Caution Over Blanket Restrictions
Researchers studying children’s online behavior say there is limited evidence that banning social media outright is an effective solution.
Early figures from Australia suggest that enforcement may be difficult. Data indicates that a significant number of teenagers under 16 continued using social media even after restrictions were introduced.
Amy Orben, a research professor at the University of Cambridge, has emphasized that the effects of social media differ widely among young people. While some teenagers experience serious risks online, others benefit from the ability to connect with friends and communities.
She also noted that social media companies design their platforms to hold users’ attention, which can make them particularly engaging—and sometimes difficult—to stop using.
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