Social media could potentially be prohibited for individuals under the age of 16 to enhance focus in educational settings and mitigate harm to mental well-being, as highlighted by a major teaching union. The National Association of Schoolmasters Union of Women Teachers (NASUWT) has called on the government to mandate prominent technology platforms to block underage individuals from accessing their services, echoing Australia’s similar ban on social media for under-16s in December. NASUWT asserts that mounting evidence indicates uncontrolled exposure to social media is fueling disruptive behavior in schools, negatively impacting the mental health of youths, and subjecting them to violent and explicit content.
This initiative coincides with a controversy surrounding X’s AI chatbot Grok, which has been utilized to produce sexualized images, including those of children, upon users’ requests. NASUWT’s general secretary, Matt Wrack, emphasized the challenges teachers face daily due to the repercussions of a social media environment ill-suited for children. Wrack underscored the necessity for social media corporations to act responsibly, suggesting that statutory measures prohibiting under-16s from using these platforms are urgently needed to safeguard children, preserve their mental well-being, and address the behavioral crisis in schools.
A survey conducted by NASUWT in 2025 among 5,800 teacher members revealed that approximately 81% reported a rise in students displaying violent and abusive conduct, with nearly 59% attributing deteriorating behavior to social media. In a separate poll involving 300 members, NASUWT found that 89% endorsed the implementation of a statutory ban on social media for individuals under 16.
Liz Kendall, the Technology Secretary, expressed support for the regulatory body Ofcom should it opt to restrict X’s operations if it fails to comply with UK regulations. Notably, X modified Grok’s settings, notifying users that only paying subscribers could request image alterations. The head of the Office for Standards in Education, Children’s Services and Skills (Ofsted) previously voiced concerns that social media is eroding children’s attention spans and fostering disrespectful behavior. A recent survey by the Mirror indicated that 64% of respondents favor imposing a social media ban for those under 16, while only 19% oppose the notion.
Wrack reiterated the detrimental impact of social media on behavior, anxiety, and engagement in classrooms, advocating for the government to follow the lead of other nations in implementing a ban that garners significant support from parents and educators. Daniel Kebede, General Secretary of the National Education Union, echoed NASUWT’s stance, condemning social media for depriving children of their childhoods by ensnaring them in profit-driven online spaces that substitute genuine relationships with addictive digital feeds.
In response, a Government spokesperson emphasized support for headteachers in maintaining school order, noting that the majority already restrict phone usage during school hours to prevent disruptions. Through the Online Safety Act, the government has taken proactive measures to ensure minors have age-appropriate online experiences, mandating that social media platforms shield individuals under 18 from harmful content. The spokesperson underscored the government’s commitment to striking a balance between safeguarding children from harm and enabling them to safely navigate the digital realm.