Overview
- The NASUWT called for legislation compelling major platforms to block under-16s, citing harms to learning, behaviour and mental health.
- Union surveys found 81% of 5,800 teachers reported more violent or abusive behaviour and 59% linked deterioration to social media, with 89% of 300 polled backing a ban.
- Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch said her party would raise the social media age limit to 16 and require non–digital‑ID checks such as parental verification, facial analysis or passport confirmation.
- The Government highlighted the Online Safety Act and widespread school phone restrictions, indicating no current plan for a blanket ban and ongoing scrutiny of international models.
- Australia’s under‑16 restriction began in December, and early reports of teenage workarounds have underscored enforcement and privacy challenges.