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Original poster

AIBU to think banning social media for under-16s is a good idea?

388 replies

LizardLore · 15/06/2026 08:18

Just being announced now - social media banned for under-16s.

My instinct is it’s great, but I am interested in other views. My kids are very small so not an issue here yet.

YABU - the ban is bad
YANBU - the ban is good

OP posts:
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Original poster
LizardLore · 15/06/2026 08:34

TheFairyCaravan · 15/06/2026 08:28

I think it’s excellent.

I’d,,also, like it that using children under 16 in social media was banned too. Too many influencers and content creators exploit their kids every day while they’re far too young to understand the consequences or give consent.

Yes I agree with this! The whole idea of “family” youtubers etc is so wrong.

OP posts:
fanOfBen · 15/06/2026 08:33

It won't technically be enforceable, but I think having it be illegal for kids to be on social media will still make a big difference. It'll make it much easier for parents to say no and react strongly if they find their own kids are on, and it should break the "but everyone else is" which is what makes it hard to resist. I'm interested in the details though - e.g. is reddit included? What happens if people set up large groups on e.g. whatsapp, telegram, signal, gathering kids? To my mind if kids are communicating online with people they know IRL that's one thing, the big problem is communicating with people who might be anyone or not even people. That isn't in itself a distinction that will be easy to make, though.

Original poster
LizardLore · 15/06/2026 08:31

Also to add I’d like to see phones banned in all schools by the time my kids are tweens.

Just reading another thread where a poster says their greatest concern about phones is they’re turning out hordes of adults who can’t think - phone zombies, they called them.

This is my great worry too, especially when compounded by AI. I feel more able to protect my kids from e.g. chatting to weirdos online than I do from the complete intellectual erosion our reliance on tech is causing. It’s replaced so many developmentally significant childhood activities.

Yes I can limit their time once they get to that age. But if they’re surrounded by phone zombies they’re going to want to follow suit. And it’s not just about my kids anyway - every child deserves a rich, varied and imaginatively stimulating childhood and too many are not getting that right now.

OP posts:
InLoveWithAI · 15/06/2026 08:28

Sound great in theory. No idea how it will work in practice.

Blueeyedmale · 15/06/2026 08:28

rollitonio · 15/06/2026 08:24

I agree it’s the right thing. But I’m really unsure how they will enforce it?

The problem is they could implement vpn blockers but that would then block adults in countries who have no democray, so it's a difficult, I'm completely for the ban however I'm concerned this will push children to seek out entertainment on chat rooms and social forums on the darkweb putting them further at risk.

TheFairyCaravan · 15/06/2026 08:28

I think it’s excellent.

I’d,,also, like it that using children under 16 in social media was banned too. Too many influencers and content creators exploit their kids every day while they’re far too young to understand the consequences or give consent.

BlossomLeaves · 15/06/2026 08:27

Great news - yes it’ll be hard to legislate/enforce but that’s no reason not to do it.

Hoardasurass · 15/06/2026 08:26

With the shit show that is the labour party no this is not a good thing

Zanatdy · 15/06/2026 08:25

rollitonio · 15/06/2026 08:24

I agree it’s the right thing. But I’m really unsure how they will enforce it?

They have the tech to see who is using their app, age recognition etc.

anon199900 · 15/06/2026 08:25

I think it’s a brilliant idea as a mother of an 13, 11 and 8 year old. I hope they have a better way to police it than Australia.

Zanatdy · 15/06/2026 08:25

Yes, having seen my nephew age 4 addicted to youtube already, I am in favour of banning it.

rollitonio · 15/06/2026 08:24

I agree it’s the right thing. But I’m really unsure how they will enforce it?

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