Should the UK adopt an under-16s social media ban? Experts weigh in

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"Bans on smartphones in schools, as well as parent pledges to delay their children's smartphone use, have gained widespread traction in the UK. They are based on assumptions, including that smartphone use is addictive, distracting and leads to children doing worse in school. On the other hand, though, research suggests the cause and effect may not be so clear-cut. Studies have found that phone banning in schools does not significantly increase academic attainment or improve wellbeing."

The Independent covers topics including reproductive rights, climate change and Big Tech, investigating financials like Elon Musk's pro-Trump PAC and producing documentaries such as 'The A Word' about American women fighting for reproductive rights. The outlet avoids paywalls and requests donations to fund on-the-ground journalism and present multiple perspectives. Australia will ban social media for under-16s from December 10, 2025, requiring companies to deactivate accounts. The UK prefers the Online Safety Act over an outright ban. School smartphone bans and parental pledges are common, yet research finds such bans do not clearly improve academic attainment or wellbeing. Ongoing research suggests outright social media bans for under-16s are problematic.

Read at www.independent.co.uk