Low Uptake in Northern Ireland on Responses to Whether Social Media Should be Banned for Under-16s

Any decision made at Westminster to introduce a social media ban for under-16s would also be implemented in Northern Ireland, according to UK online safety minister Kanishka Narayan.

The UK government is currently gathering public opinion on possible new rules surrounding young people’s use of social media, including whether under-16s should be prohibited from accessing certain platforms.

However, response levels from Northern Ireland remain relatively low. Of the almost 70,000 submissions received so far, only around 700 have come from parents and young people in Northern Ireland.

Research recently presented to the Northern Ireland Assembly found that social media use among teenagers in the region is extremely widespread, with nearly all 16-year-olds using social platforms. Snapchat, TikTok and Instagram were identified as the most commonly used apps.

The study, carried out by researchers at Queen’s University Belfast, found that almost 10% of 16-year-olds spend more than eight hours a day on social media, while around half reported spending between three and five hours online daily.

Across the UK more generally, communications regulator Ofcom says 86% of children aged between 10 and 12 already have their own social media accounts.

Ofcom has also raised concerns about child safety on platforms including TikTok and YouTube, stating in a recent report that their content recommendation systems are still not sufficiently safe for younger users.

The UK government is currently gathering public opinion on possible new rules surrounding young people’s use of social media, including whether under-16s should be prohibited from accessing certain platforms.

Australia recently became the first nation to introduce legislation banning children under 16 from using major social media apps.

UK ministers have previously indicated support for tighter controls on social media use among young people, though the current consultation is also exploring whether the minimum age for social media access should instead be lowered to 13.

Other proposals being considered include requiring platforms to disable features considered addictive, such as autoplay and endless scrolling, as well as introducing compulsory nighttime curfews on some apps to reduce children’s screen time.

The public consultation will end on Tuesday 26 May.