Viewpoint debates social media ban for under 16s

Education | 13th February 2026, 13:18 | Published by GBC News

Hundreds of messages received by GBC's Viewpoint show mixed views on the possibility of a social media ban for under sixteens.

The programme's panel however, which included the head pupils of both comprehensive schools, was of the consensus view that social media was damaging to young people, and the extent of the damage is yet to be seen.

The prevailing view was that, if prohibitions are to be put in place, the onus should be on the media corporations themselves to enforce the law.

Meanwhile, when asked whether a ban should be introduced, young people from Comprehensive Schools were of mixed views, but one predominant suggestion was that there should be age specific categories on social media.