Social media use for individuals under the age of 16 has been recommended for prohibition by a major teaching union to enhance focus in schools and mitigate potential harm to mental well-being.
The NASUWT, a teachers’ union, has called on the government to mandate significant tech companies to block access to their platforms for children. This proposition follows Australia’s decision to ban social media for those under 16 in December. NASUWT asserts that there is mounting evidence indicating that unrestricted social media exposure contributes to worsening behavior in schools, negatively impacts the mental health of young individuals, and exposes them to violent and sexually explicit content.
The controversy surrounding X’s AI chatbot Grok, which has been reportedly used to generate sexualized images of individuals, including minors, at the request of users, has heightened concerns. Matt Wrack, the general secretary of NASUWT, stated that teachers are grappling with the consequences of a social media environment that was not originally designed for children and is unsuitable for them.
Wrack emphasized that social media companies typically do not act responsibly unless compelled to do so. Urgent implementation of a statutory ban for those under 16 is advocated as crucial for safeguarding children, preserving their mental well-being, and addressing the behavior crisis in schools.
According to a survey conducted by NASUWT among 5,800 teacher members in 2025, approximately 81% reported a rise in instances of violent and abusive behavior among students. Nearly 59% attributed deteriorating behavior to social media. In a separate poll of 300 members, 89% expressed support for a statutory social media ban for individuals under 16.
Liz Kendall, the Technology Secretary, indicated her readiness to support the regulator Ofcom in taking action against X if it fails to comply with UK laws. Recent adjustments made by X to Grok’s settings include informing users that only paid subscribers can request image manipulation.
Ofsted’s chief raised concerns at the end of the previous year that social media is eroding children’s attention spans and fostering disrespectful conduct. A recent Mirror poll revealed that 64% of respondents favor a social media prohibition for those under 16, while only 19% oppose the idea.
Adding to the discourse, Daniel Kebede, General Secretary of the National Education Union, concurred with NASUWT’s stance, stating that social media is depriving children of their childhoods. He criticized platforms designed for profit maximization, accusing them of capturing young people’s attention and replacing genuine friendships with addicting, curated content.
Government inaction was criticized for exacerbating the crisis by allowing these dynamics to persist unchecked. In response, a Government spokesperson highlighted their support for headteachers in implementing measures to prevent disruptions in schools and emphasized the existing guidance that restricts phone use during the school day to maintain a focused learning environment.
The government emphasized their commitment to promoting age-appropriate online experiences for children through the Online Safety Act, which mandates that social media companies protect minors from harmful content. They emphasized striking a balance between shielding children from harm while enabling them to safely navigate the digital realm.