Scotland’s Children’s Commissioner has raised concerns over the evidence supporting a proposed social media ban for users under 16, describing it as “limited” and cautioning against a blanket prohibition. Nicola Killean spoke out following a UK Government consultation that considered various measures to protect children online, including an Australia-style ban for younger users, app curfews, and restrictions on addictive features.

In her submission to the consultation, which closed recently, Killean emphasized that the current research does not conclusively demonstrate that an outright ban would enhance children’s safety on social media platforms. She warned that such a ban might drive young people toward less monitored areas of the internet, potentially increasing their exposure to harm. Instead, she advocated for strengthening existing protections and holding social media companies more accountable for safeguarding users.

Killean acknowledged that social media poses significant risks to children, citing exposure to harmful content, cyberbullying, coercion, contact with strangers, exploitation, and excessive use. However, she also highlighted the positive role these platforms can play, enabling children to communicate, express themselves, and access information.

Her office conducted a children’s rights impact assessment in preparation for the consultation response and engaged with young people aged 12 to 17 across Scotland to gather insights. Based on this work, Killean reiterated that the evidence around bans remains mixed and evolving, and that such measures fail to tackle deeper problems, including exploitative algorithms that prioritize harmful content to increase engagement.

The UK Government has signaled its intention to proceed with action following the consultation’s closure. Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer stated that ministers are ready to implement measures promptly, referencing powers secured earlier this year to respond swiftly to online harms affecting children.