UK parents support social media ban for under-16s despite doubts

A new poll by telecoms firm 24 Seven reveals that while a majority of parents in the West Midlands support a proposed government ban on social media for children under 16, many doubt its effectiveness. Approximately 76 per cent of parents in the region support the ban, which is slated for implementation in spring 2027, while only 10 per cent oppose it. However, only 53 per cent believe the measure will actually work.

The survey of 1,000 parents highlighted significant concerns regarding online safety. The primary worry for 52 per cent of respondents is children being targeted by strangers, followed by cyberbullying at 44 per cent and exposure to inappropriate content at 37 per cent. Additionally, 60 per cent of parents reported allowing their children more than one hour of unsupervised screen time daily.

David Samuel, founder and managing director of 24 Seven, noted a disconnect between parental desire for a ban and their lack of faith in the government's ability to deliver it. The research was conducted by pollster Censuswide.