Girlguiding's response to the announcement of a social media ban for under 16s

Felicity Oswald OBE, CEO at Girlguiding said: 

"We hope that the government’s decision to ban certain social media platforms for under-16's is not the end of the national conversation about young people’s safety when using technology. It is vital that this moment drives further action to address the root causes of online harms.  Technology doesn’t stop with social media – all technology, including AI tools, needs to be safer overall.

Our research shows that 72% of 10-16 year olds say social media companies need to do more to protect them. The Government should continue to listen to young people to ensure robust safeguards are in place, including age-appropriate design, effective content moderation, and meaningful enforcement which are essential in reducing harm. 

Young people must also be equipped with the tools and skills needed to safely navigate the digital world. Online safety education, shaped by girls’ experiences, is essential so that when young people do access social media, they are able to feel more confident and supported. 

The ban is undoubtedly polarising. Whichever position you support, it cannot distract from the underlying problems which will continue to exist. We know girls are disproportionately affected by online sexism and misogyny with more than half of girls and young women aged 11-21 telling us they’ve seen sexist comments or ‘jokes’ (53%) and one in eight (12%) young people aged 13-18 saying they have seen sexual threats, including those of rape, directed at women and girls online.

Girls are telling us that they are already taking significant steps to protect themselves online, but the burden of safety cannot continue to fall on young people and families alone.”