Social media ban 'may push children to darker parts of internet', Scotland warns

Scotland's children's commissioner has warned that Prime Minister Keir Starmer's plan to ban under-16s from social media across the UK by spring 2027 could leave children less protected, not more, by pushing them towards less regulated and riskier corners of the internet.

Starmer announces nationwide ban

Starmer unveiled the policy this week, stating he was "clear that a full ban is the right choice", citing evidence that social media was making children unhappy, enabling bullying, and exposing young people to harmful content. The ban is set to come into effect by spring 2027 and would apply to all under-16s across the United Kingdom.

Scotland's commissioner raises rights concerns

Scotland's Children's Commissioner Nicola Killean responded swiftly, saying her office had conducted a children's rights impact assessment during the government's consultation process. The assessment concluded that "a ban would not currently be a proportionate, effective or enforceable way to ensure the protection of children's rights."

Killean cautioned that the policy could "inadvertently push children to less regulated or riskier parts of the internet." She also highlighted groups of children who would be disproportionately affected, including disabled children, those living in rural areas, children whose parents lived abroad, and young people who relied on the internet to explore their identity.

Social media as a lifeline for some children

Whilst acknowledging the genuine risks associated with social media — including harmful content, cyberbullying, exploitation, and the dangers of excessive use — Killean stressed that these platforms also serve as a vital space for communication and self-expression for many children. "There is a real risk now that children will be driven to darker places on the internet and stop talking to adults about what they might see," she said.

Children's charity urges public health approach

Children First Chief Executive Mary Glasgow warned that children would likely find ways around the ban and continue to be harmed "unless tech companies are forced to implement changes to ensure their products are safe from the start." Glasgow called on both the UK and Scottish governments to pursue a public health response to digital harm rather than relying solely on a blanket ban.

Scottish government calls for accountability

Scottish Minister for Children and Young People Siobhian Brown echoed those concerns, arguing the proposals should not be "rushed through without a clear plan for actually holding social media companies accountable." Brown called on the UK government to set out how media regulator Ofcom would deploy its full regulatory powers to enforce meaningful change.