Every few years, parents are told the same thing - manage your children’s exposure to addictive social media platforms better.
But in 2026, many of us are spending hours every week trying to out-engineer global tech companies with infinite budgets, addictive algorithms, and platforms that change faster than any set of family rules ever could.
It’s worth remembering that many of the people who built today’s social platforms don’t let their own children use them freely. Senior figures in Big Tech have spoken openly about restricting or banning smartphones and social media at home, citing concerns about addiction, mental health, and attention.
So when parents are told to “just manage it better”, are we being asked to do the impossible?
With the government consulting on a social media ban for under-16s, stronger national rules could give families the support and clarity they’ve been missing — easing the pressure on parents trying to hold the line alone.
We’d love to hear from you:
- Is it realistically possible for parents to manage social media safely at home, across multiple apps, devices and with constant peer pressure?
- Have parental controls worked as a long-term solution, or only provided temporary breathing space?
- Would a ban help by setting a clear boundary for everyone — making it easier for parents to say no, and harder for platforms to target children?
- For those who have kept social media out of their child’s life so far, how much effort has it taken — and would stronger rules make it easier?
Share your thoughts below for a chance to win The Other Phone worth £279. One lucky winner will be chosen at random. Enter by 28/02/2026.