Debate: Social media in children and young people - time for a ban? It is time to take a precautionary approach. Why health professionals are calling for a ban on social media for under-16s.

Abstract

As frontline health professionals working across paediatrics, psychiatry, psychology and general practice in the United Kingdom, we are witnessing an alarming and growing mental health crisis among children and adolescents, which we believe is exacerbated by social media use. Drawing upon clinical experience and supported by a growing body of research, we present evidence that social media contributes to a spectrum of adverse mental health outcomes, including anxiety, depression, eating disorders, body dysmorphia, self-harm and suicidality. Particularly vulnerable populations, including neurodivergent children and those facing socioeconomic disadvantage, are disproportionately affected. Despite academic suggestions of some benefits, our real-world experience of the preponderance of clinical cases indicates an urgent need for preventive action. We argue that current regulatory frameworks are insufficient and propose a precautionary public health approach: an immediate statutory ban on social media use for all children under 16, placing the burden of proof on technology companies to demonstrate safety before allowing access. We further advocate for the strengthening of age verification systems, public health campaigns, parental guidance interventions and routine clinical screening for problematic social media use. This paper reflects the collective voice of our health professionals on the frontline of child and adolescent care, calling for decisive policy action to address a preventable and escalating threat to youth mental health.