IET supports stronger online safety measures for young people, but urges caution regarding a blanket social media ban for under-16s

As the UK government has announced a social media ban for under-16s, the Institution of Engineering and Technology (IET) says it supports stronger online safety measures for young people but urges caution regarding a blanket social media ban for under-16s. While recognising the serious harms that can occur online, the IET argues that any policy should be evidence-based, future-focused, and part of a broader strategy rather than a standalone solution.  

Floriane Fidegnon-Edoh, adviser to IET’s Digital Futures Policy Centre says “The ban cannot be an isolated tool. Government must work with industry to make platforms safer by design as a priority and invest in digital literacy and parental support.” And adds, “A ban is a blunt instrument. What’s needed is precise, targeted, evidence-based policy that tackles the root cause and keeps pace with how technology is actually evolving."

The IET points out that rolling out a sole blanket ban could create unintended consequences including driving young people to less regulated platforms and creating gaps in digital skills and preparedness for education and work.  

The IET also highlights evidence from countries that have introduced bans, suggests they may not fully prevent access, making additional measures necessary. The IET’s Floriane Fidegnon-Edoh points out, "We share the concern about keeping children safe online. These are real harms affecting real families. But a ban alone won't fix this, and we need to make sure we're not just moving young people to darker corners of the internet with fewer protections."

In an increasingly digital world, the IET contends a blanket ban could also affect young people by delaying skills such as digital literacy and online safety skills needed to thrive in a digital future, including the ability to identify misinformation, AI-generated content, and online manipulation. The organisation points out that social media, when used safely, can help young people develop important digital, social, and employability skills.  Floriane Fidegnon-Edoh argues, "We can't raise a generation of digital citizens by keeping them offline. The skills young people need to stay safe online are the same skills they'll need to get a job, participate in society, and navigate an increasingly digital world."

The IET believes protecting children online is essential, but any social media ban should be accompanied by education, parental support, and safer platform design to ensure young people are both protected today and prepared for a digital future.  The IET advocates for a broader approach to online safety that includes making platforms safer by design through collaboration between government and industry, investing in digital literacy education in schools, providing practical support and guidance for parents, and encouraging cooperation between government, industry, charities, schools, and families.

ENDS