"One of the UK's biggest teaching unions has called on the government to ban social media for under-16s over concerns about mental health and concentration. The Teachers' Union (NASUWT) wants legislation to be tightened so big tech firms would face penalties for allowing children to access their platforms. The online safety debate was thrust back into the spotlight this month when it emerged Elon Musk's Grok AI tool was digitally removing the clothing of women and children."
"The union's general secretary, Matt Wrack, said: Teachers are dealing every day with the fallout of a social media landscape not originally designed and not suitable for children. Social media companies have shown time and again that they will not act responsibly unless they are forced to do so. If we are serious about safeguarding children, protecting their mental health and combating the behaviour crisis in our schools, then a statutory ban for under-16s must happen urgently."
NASUWT demands a statutory ban on social media use by under-16s, arguing unregulated access harms mental health, concentration and school behaviour. The union seeks tightened legislation imposing penalties on tech companies that allow child access. The call follows reports that Elon Musk's Grok AI digitally removed clothing from women and children, and the recent implementation of an Australian under-16s social media ban. NASUWT cites evidence of exposure to violent and sexually explicit content and finds rising rates of violent and abusive pupil behaviour. NASUWT surveyed 5,800 teachers, with 81% reporting increased violent behaviour and 59% linking social media to deteriorating conduct.
Read at www.theguardian.com
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