Just under half of poll respondents backed the planned social media ban, with a further quarter giving qualified support, despite some sector bodies arguing that it could push children towards dangerous online spaces.
Social workers broadly back the government’s planned social media ban for under-16s in the UK, a poll has found.
Just under half of respondents to the Community Care poll backed the ban outright, while a further quarter gave qualified support to the policy, which is due to be implemented in spring 2027.
Scope of social media ban
The UK government initiative will follow Australia’s landmark policy, which took effect in December 2025, and will ban children aged 15 and under from accessing platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, Snapchat, TikTok, X and YouTube.
Additional restrictions will be placed on features like livestreaming or strangers’ ability to contact children on other platforms, such as gaming services, though messaging apps, like WhatsApp, will not be affected.
The plan follows a national consultation, from March to May 2026, that saw 89% of parents and carers back a legal minimum age requirement for social media services, with 96% of this group stating that this should be at least 16. Also, two-thirds of young people who responded supported a ban on under-16s for at least some platforms.
Social workers’ views on the policy
In response to the Community Care poll, which received 782 votes, found 46% supported the policy, and said it was the most effective way to reduce the risk of online bullying and exploitation.
A further 24.5% said they would give their support only if the ban was accompanied by clear guidance on digital safeguarding for social care workers and foster carers.
However, another 29.5% rejected the idea of a blanket ban, arguing that it would deprive children of a source of connection while failing to address the core causes of online harm.
‘Blanket ban risks pushing children into dangerous spaces’
The latter group’s concerns reflect those of the Association of Directors of Children’s Services (ADCS) and the British Association of Social Workers (BASW).
In its response to the government’s consultation, BASW argued that a blanket ban would risk pushing children into dangerous unregulated online spaces, worsen social isolation and make it difficult for vulnerable young people to access support.
“We need stronger accountability for technology companies, better digital education and investment in safeguarding support, while also protecting children’s rights to participation, connection, and access to support,” said BASW chief executive Sam Baron.
The association called for mandatory safety standards for platforms, specialist digital safeguarding training for social workers, and children and young people to be directly involved in policymaking around social media.
ADCS argued that there was not sufficient evidence to back Australia’s social media model and and no justification for setting 16 as the threshold for access.
Instead, it called for stronger accountability on platforms in relation to harmful content and increased digital and media literacy for children, parents and carers.
“This would ensure many of the benefits of social media could be realised, while focusing resources on equipping children with the skills to live and participate in an online world,” it added.
What do you think of the proposed social media ban for under-16s?
