Safeguarding Voice

Podcast round table: Should social media be banned for under 16s in the UK

ECP Safeguarding Season 3 Episode 1

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0:00 | 33:15

In this round-table episode, our safeguarding consultants explore one of the UK’s most pressing digital questions: should social media be banned for under 16s?

Drawing on professional insight and real-world experience, the panel examines the impact of social media on young people’s mental health, exposure to harmful content, and risks such as online exploitation. The discussion also considers the balance between parental responsibility, platform accountability, and the role of government regulation.

With reference to the Online Safety Act 2023, the episode explores whether stronger safeguards are enough, or whether more restrictive approaches should be considered to better protect children and young people.

This episode offers a balanced and thought-provoking conversation for anyone working with children, supporting families, or navigating the realities of online safety today.

Online Safety Act briefing - https://ecp-safeguarding-blogs.blogspot.com/2024/10/online-safety-act-2023-explainer.html

Kids Online World - https://www.kidsonlineworld.com/

Internet Watch Foundation - https://www.iwf.org.uk/

Child Exploitation and Online Protection Command (CEOP) - https://www.ceop.police.uk/Safety-Centre/

Childnet - https://www.childnet.com/

Education Support - https://www.educationsupport.org.uk/

NAPAC - https://napac.org.uk/

Samaritans - https://www.samaritans.org/how-we-can-help/contact-samaritan/

Mind - https://www.mind.org.uk/

The Safeguarding Voice podcast brought to you by ECP Safeguarding.