Social media could potentially be prohibited for individuals under the age of 16, as per a caution issued by one of the largest teaching unions to enhance focus in schools and mitigate harm to mental well-being.
The NASUWT, a teachers’ union, has urged the Government to mandate major tech platforms to prevent minors from accessing their services, following in the footsteps of Australia’s decision to ban social media for those under 16 in December. The NASUWT argues that mounting evidence demonstrates that unregulated social media access is contributing to deteriorating behavior in schools, negatively impacting the mental health of young individuals, and exposing them to violent and explicit content.
This development emerges amidst a controversy surrounding X’s AI chatbot, Grok, which has been utilized to produce sexualized images of individuals, including minors, upon user requests. Matt Wrack, the NASUWT general secretary, expressed concerns, stating, “Teachers are constantly dealing with the consequences of a social media environment that was not intended for children and is unsuitable for them.”
Wrack added, “Social media companies have repeatedly shown a lack of responsible action unless compelled to do so. To genuinely safeguard children, preserve their mental well-being, and address the behavioral crisis in our schools, an under-16 statutory ban is imperative.”
According to a survey conducted in 2025 by NASUWT among 5,800 teacher members, approximately 81% reported an uptick in students displaying violent and abusive conduct. Nearly 59% believed that social media was a key factor driving the decline in behavior. In a separate poll involving 300 members, 89% supported implementing a statutory ban on social media for individuals under 16.
Liz Kendall, the Technology Secretary, indicated support for regulator Ofcom in taking action against X if it failed to comply with UK regulations. Recently, X adjusted Grok’s settings, informing users that only paid subscribers could request image alterations.
The head of the schools regulator Ofsted expressed apprehensions at the close of last year that social media is eroding children’s attention spans and fostering disrespectful behavior. A survey by Mirror last month revealed that 64% of respondents favor a ban on social media for those under 16, while only 19% oppose the notion.
Emphasizing the negative impact of social media, Mr. Wrack reiterated, “Our members highlight that social media is now a major driver of poor behavior, anxiety, and disinterest in the classroom. Children deserve the opportunity to develop, learn, and establish healthy relationships without being ensnared in an online realm that exploits their vulnerabilities.”
Responding to the situation, Daniel Kebede, General Secretary of the National Education Union, stated, “We appreciate the NASUWT’s endorsement of this stance. Social media is depriving our children of their childhoods. Platforms designed for profit maximization consistently capture young individuals’ attention, replacing real-world friendships with addictive, curated content.”
A Government spokesperson affirmed, “We support headteachers in taking necessary actions to prevent disruptions in schools, already enforced by our guidelines, with the majority restricting phone use during school hours to maintain learning environments.”
Through the Online Safety Act, the Government has implemented stringent measures to ensure age-appropriate online experiences for children, mandating that social media firms safeguard under-18s from harmful content. The Government aims to strike a balance by protecting children from harm while enabling safe engagement with the digital realm.