Mumsnet campaign demands ban on social media for under-16s
9 hours ago
- #mental health
- #child safety
- #social media
- Mumsnet launches campaign to ban social media for under-16s, featuring health warnings similar to cigarette packets.
- Campaign highlights risks: increased self-harm, anxiety, eating disorders, and suicidal behavior linked to social media use.
- Justine Roberts, Mumsnet founder, argues social media is designed to be addictive, harming children's mental health.
- 92% of parents surveyed are concerned about social media's impact on children's mental health; 60% believe their child is addicted.
- Sedona Jamieson, a student, shares her negative experience with harmful online content during her mental health struggles.
- UK Prime Minister promises measures to curb under-16s' social media access but not necessarily a total ban.
- Children's commissioner warns a ban must not push children to darker parts of the internet.
- Government consultation planned on age limits, safer design, and potential social media bans for under-16s.
- Royal College of Psychiatrists calls for greater regulation and data sharing by social media companies to protect mental health.