Why the social media ban is not enough

A while ago, I had the opportunity to go to Parliament to speak on the proposed social media ban during its consultation period.

Both there and leading up to it, I spoke with a variety of different people about their views on the topic. Parents are worried about what their children are being exposed to online. Schools are scared, unable to keep up with the latest developments and dealing with unprecedented numbers of young people experiencing problems on social media.

Young people themselves are nervous, all too aware of both the benefits and dangers of social media.

Social media is undoubtedly then a divisive topic. It can offer a huge amount of good, allowing for new connections, access to diverse communities and voices, and even facilitating career growth. Of course, this is also accompanied by a diverse range of problems, from endless scrolling, cyberbullying, harmful algorithms, and image-based abuse.

Solutions must be put in place that safeguard the younger population. The problem is, however, that even if the social media ban is a net good, a diverse range of problemscalls for a diverse range of solutions. There will still be young people who find a way around this ban (with data from the Molly Rose Foundation suggesting that 61% of 12–15 year-olds were able to access their old accounts) and, in these cases, it’s vital thatsocial media still has safety mechanisms in place. If the young person encounters distressing material or encounters other problems, it’s essential that they feel safe and able to disclose this to an appropriate adult.

This is why digital education matters just as much as legislation.

A young person needs to understand how algorithms shape what they see, recognise when platforms are encouraging unhealthy habits, and know how to respond to online harms. These are skills that will remain important long after they reach the minimum age for social media.

That is where Beat Modules fits into the conversation. Rather than simply telling young people to stay offline, its digital addiction module teaches them how to spot algorithmic manipulation, build healthier screen time habits and respond to challenges such as cyberbullying and deepfakes. The aim is not only to reduce harm today, but to prepare them for the digital world they will inevitably navigate as adults.

Just as importantly, digital education creates opportunities for conversations before problems arise. If a young person encounters distressing content, experiences online abuse or feels overwhelmed by social media, they should know where to turn and feel comfortable speaking to a trusted adult. That confidence comes from education, not age verification alone.

The proposed social media ban should not be viewed as the finish line. It is one part of a broader approach to online safety. Regulation can reduce risk, but it cannot teach judgement. Restrictions can delay access, but they cannot build resilience.

If we want the next generation to thrive online, we need to equip them with the skills to navigate digital spaces safely and confidently. The most effective approach is not choosing between regulation and education. It is recognising that young people need both.