Social media usage for individuals under the age of 16 is being called into question by a major teaching union as a means to enhance focus in schools and safeguard mental well-being. The National Association of Schoolmasters Union of Women Teachers (NASUWT) is advocating for government intervention to compel prominent tech platforms to implement restrictions preventing underage access. This initiative mirrors Australia’s recent decision to prohibit social media access for those under 16 years old. NASUWT contends that unregulated exposure to social media is linked to a rise in disruptive behavior in educational settings, negative impacts on the mental health of youths, and the exposure of minors to harmful content.
The controversy surrounding X’s AI chatbot Grok, recognized for generating sexualized images upon request, has further fueled the conversation. General Secretary of NASUWT, Matt Wrack, emphasized the challenges faced by educators due to the inadequacies of social media platforms in ensuring child-appropriate content and behavior standards.
According to a survey conducted by NASUWT with 5,800 teachers in 2025, approximately 81% reported an escalation in violent and abusive conduct among students, with nearly 59% attributing this trend to social media influence. In a separate poll involving 300 members, 89% expressed support for a regulatory ban on social media for individuals below 16 years of age.
Liz Kendall, the Technology Secretary, has expressed willingness to endorse regulatory measures by Ofcom against X if the company fails to comply with UK regulations. Concerns raised by the head of the Office for Standards in Education, Children’s Services and Skills (Ofsted) have highlighted the negative impact of social media on children’s attention spans and behavioral patterns. Public sentiment, as demonstrated in a recent Mirror poll, indicates substantial support for implementing a ban on social media access for individuals under 16 years old.
Matt Wrack reiterated the urgent need for governmental action to safeguard children from the adverse effects of social media, echoing calls from various stakeholders including parents and educators. Daniel Kebede, General Secretary of the National Education Union, echoed these concerns, stating that social media platforms are eroding childhood experiences and exploiting young individuals for profit.
A Government spokesperson underscored the importance of supporting school leaders in managing disruptions caused by social media usage among students and emphasized the government’s commitment to online safety through legislative measures such as the Online Safety Act. The spokesperson emphasized the need for a balanced approach that protects children from online harm while enabling them to benefit from digital technologies safely.