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What’s in the report?
This research explores how children use social media and their experiences on it. Through interviews with those teens who would be affected by a ban on social media for under-16s, the research brings to life their views on restrictions, in their own words.
The full report is divided into four sections:
- Setting the scene: This section explores children’s use of social media, including how this changes based on age and gender. This includes examining use among children below the minimum age specified by platforms and apps in their Terms of Service.
- The good and the bad: Children tell us about the benefits they believe social media provides but also acknowledge the negatives such as coming across unrealistic images, interactions with strangers and seeing or receiving hurtful comments. Children also tell us how different features exacerbate negative experiences on social media and how persuasive design keeps them engaged.
- Understanding the debate: While children recognise some of the benefits of a social media ban for under-16s, children broadly do not support a ban. They also don’t think a ban would be effective and highlight some of the risky ways children might get around this type of ban.
- Creating a safer online world for children: Children see themselves and their parents as primarily responsible for their safety on social media. However, they also recognise the actions that social media platforms, schools and the government can take to support their safety online.
Key findings
This research draws from our Year 4 Children’s Wellbeing in a Digital World Index, published in March 2025. To build on these findings, we interviewed teenagers aged 13-15 years old to understand their experiences on social media and perspectives on banning social media for under-16s.
Children’s own words highlight key findings throughout the report.
"One of the ways that I've been able to keep in touch with those people [from Scout camps] is through social media." – Girl, 14
"I don't think it's necessarily a negative thing [if strangers message me]. I feel like you can make friends online." Boy, 15
"[Idealised lives on social media] kind of ruins what you think is a good life, like you won't be satisfied with what you have." Boy, 15
"I feel like I'd get a lot more done, and I'd become a lot more productive than I am currently. I do find myself quite often, just endlessly scrolling to talking to people." Girl, 15
"The short videos are so easily accessible to scroll. In each video you see a new thing. And it’s the burst of dopamine. You want to continue scrolling." Boy, 15
"If they're [social media companies] the ones making the platform and are making revenue off of ads from users, then they should be expected to keep people safe on their platform." Boy, 15
Read about children’s views on restricting social media
Explore the full report findings below along with our recommendations on how to make social media safer for children.
Supporting resources
The below resources provide parents and carers with guidance for keeping safe on social media and smartphones.
Social media advice hub
Social media-ready checklist
Step-by-step parental controls
Mobile phone-ready checklist
Smartphone vs dumb phones
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