Social media companies need to do more to protect young people

• Almost 7 out of 10 (69%) say they would prefer to know if a platform is safe
• Only 15% of 10-16 year olds think a social media ban will make them feel safer
• Nearly a quarter (24%) don’t feel in control of what appears on their social media feeds
• Two fifths (40%) have seen violent or upsetting images or videos online
• Girlguiding is urging decision makers to listen to young people’s views ahead of consultation

Nearly three quarters (72%) of 10-16 year olds believe social media companies should be doing more to protect young people online, reveals new Girlguiding research exploring children's views around a potential social media ban for under 16’s.

When asked, 47% of 10-16 year olds said they believed social media posed risks, but only 15% said they thought a ban would make them feel safer online and half (50%) said they didn’t want a ban as it wouldn’t protect young people.

Just over half (56%) said they think a ban would be ineffective as under 16’s would still find a way to get into social platforms.

Girlguiding’s flagship research, the Girls’ Attitudes Survey1, previously found that social media can negatively impact girls’ wellbeing, whilst also offering benefits including helping to connect with friends. In its 2025 survey, over a third (36%) of 11-21 year old girls and young women said they often feel depressed after spending time on social media, whilst 62% felt that social media helped them to maintain their friendships. Half said they thought their friendships would suffer without it.

For its latest research, Girlguiding asked boys and girls aged 10-16 from across the UK for their thoughts on the benefits and drawbacks of social media, and the impact of a potential social media ban.

When talking about the benefits of social media, the research found:

• Half (50%) say social media makes it easier to find support for things they wouldn’t talk about offline
• 40% say social media helps them to advocate or speak out on issues important to them
• More than half (58%) use social media the most to chat to friends and family, 49% for entertainment (memes, funny videos, trends) and 33% for watching influencer and creator videos

Despite its benefits, current harms surrounding social media platforms and content are undeniable:

• Almost a quarter (24%) say they don’t have control of what appears in their social media feeds or as suggested content
• Just under one third (32%) have seen sexual images and videos online and two fifths (40%) have seen violent or upsetting images or videos online
• Almost half (44%) have experienced people they don’t know trying to talk to them online

Girlguiding advocate Imogen, 15, said:

“Obviously, there are dangers on social media but it is also a fantastic resource and helps lots of teenagers in so many different ways. Whether that be accessing mental wellbeing, confidence or study tips, sourcing information on topics otherwise not spoken about, like politics, raising awareness of issues or discovering new opportunities.”

“Should a ban come in, 16 year olds would end up entering the digital world without any guidance to navigate it safely which could be more dangerous and harmful. Platforms need to be made safer and young people be provided with the right online safety education.”

Over two thirds (69%) said they would prefer to know if a platform is safe rather than be banned from it, meanwhile just over 6 out of 10 (62%) said a ban would make them feel like they were being punished.

Felicity Oswald, Girlguiding CEO, said:

"Young people are clear that they don't think technology is safe, however they also recognise its benefits. It is crucial they are part of this important national conversation, especially girls who are often more likely to experience sexist and misogynistic online harms.

“Our approach to online safety must support young people, not make them feel punished. As the consultation gets underway, we look forward to ensuring any government policies do not disproportionately impact girls or police their behaviours.”

Girlguiding provides girls with the opportunity to learn about how to stay safe online, exploring the digital world and technologies such as AI, age appropriately. As the largest youth organisation dedicated to girls, Girlguiding provides a supportive space to over 300,000 girls aged 4-18 across the UK. It’s innovative peer education programme, and programme of badges and activities help to promote wellbeing and empower girls to know they can do anything.