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Original poster

Banning SM for under 16s

108 replies

CuteKoalas · 24/02/2025 17:56

I've just seen a reel that it went to parliament today to be discussed about banning SM for under 16s.

I personally think its quite a good idea. The mindless scrolling I see dsc do on Instagram for hours on end, cannot be any good for them.
There has already been bullying on WhatsApp too
( their dm allows it on their phone ) they are 11.

I just think how simpler our lives were as teems without it.

Or am I being a grump ?

My other dcs are too young for it. However they often try to badger me to have it.

I also wonder what will happen to all the opened accounts if it was to get banned.
Or even how they would police it.

OP posts:
ARichtGoodDram · 24/02/2025 18:02

( their dm allows it on their phone ) they are 11

This is the issue.

The issue isn't social media. It's poor parenting. 11 is underage for social media apps and WhatsApp.

Too many parents don't parent their children (I have 6 so I know it's not easy) and then expect governments and schools to take big measures to do things they should be doing.

Needmorelego · 24/02/2025 18:02

It won't work because either under 16s will lie about their age or the parents will just set the accounts up for them.
I personally see no problem with under 16s having age appropriate social media.

Bonsaibaby · 24/02/2025 18:01

the law could state they’re not allowed smart phones and a parent who buys them one is breaking the law?

Topseyt123 · 24/02/2025 18:00

It might seem like a reasonable idea in itself, not sure how it could be policed though. What's to stop kids from fiddling their dates of birth to get around it?

Bonsaibaby · 24/02/2025 18:00

I would definitely welcome this, it’s addictive, unhealthy and they often see things they are not ready for, let alone the vile messaging amongst peers that normalises abuse and violence.

SeaSwim5 · 24/02/2025 18:00

Bonkers and simplistic idea.

gamerchick · 24/02/2025 17:59

They can't police it now. How are they going to do it if they change the age?

It's a parents responsibility I think.

TickingAlongNicely · 24/02/2025 17:59

Clarify social media...
And how it can be enforced.

Messaging apps? Video sites? Games forums? Teams?