Social media should be prohibited for individuals under the age of 16 to enhance focus in schools and mitigate harm to mental well-being, as highlighted by a major teaching union.
The NASUWT, a prominent teachers’ union, has called on the Government to compel major tech platforms to block underage access to their services, following Australia’s prohibition of social media for those under 16 last December. The NASUWT asserts that mounting evidence indicates that unrestricted social media use contributes to deteriorating behavior in schools, negatively impacts the mental health of young individuals, and exposes them to violent and explicit content.
This development coincides with a dispute involving X’s AI chatbot Grok, which has been implicated in generating sexualized images of individuals, including minors, upon user requests. Matt Wrack, the general secretary of NASUWT, stated, “Teachers are constantly grappling with the repercussions of a social media environment that was not designed for children and is unsuitable for them.”
Wrack added, “Social media companies have repeatedly demonstrated an unwillingness to act responsibly unless compelled to do so. If we are genuinely committed to safeguarding children, preserving their mental well-being, and addressing the behavioral crisis in schools, implementing a legal ban for individuals under 16 is imperative.”
In a survey conducted by NASUWT involving 5,800 teachers in 2025, approximately 81% reported a rise in students displaying violent and abusive behavior. Nearly 59% attributed deteriorating behavior to social media in a separate poll of 300 members, revealing that 89% supported a statutory ban on social media for individuals under 16.
Liz Kendall, the Technology Secretary, expressed readiness to support the regulator Ofcom should it choose to restrict X if it fails to comply with UK regulations. Recently, X seemingly adjusted Grok’s settings, informing users that only paying subscribers could request image manipulation from the chatbot.
The head of the schools regulator Ofsted raised concerns at the close of the previous year, stating that social media is eroding children’s attention spans and fostering disrespectful conduct. A poll by Mirror last month indicated that 64% of respondents endorse a social media ban for those under 16, while only 19% oppose the idea.
Wrack further remarked, “Our members affirm that social media is a primary catalyst for poor behavior, anxiety, and disengagement within the classroom setting. Children deserve the opportunity to develop, learn, and establish healthy relationships without being ensnared in an online realm that exploits their vulnerabilities.”
“We advocate for the Government to align with other nations in supporting children and youth by instituting a ban that would garner broad support from parents and educators,” Wrack concluded.
Daniel Kebede, General Secretary of the National Education Union, responded, stating, “We appreciate NASUWT’s endorsement of this stance. Social media is depriving our children of their childhoods. Platforms designed for profit relentlessly capture the attention of young people, replacing real-world friendships with addictive, tailored feeds.”
Kebede added, “Instead of years dedicated to exploration, play, and education, children spend their time in corporate-controlled online spaces that monetize every click, insecurity, and waking moment. Government inaction is exacerbating this crisis.”
A Government representative stated, “We support headteachers in taking necessary measures to prevent disruptions in schools, as the majority already restrict phone usage during school hours to maintain an undisturbed learning environment.
“Through the Online Safety Act, we have implemented some of the most stringent measures globally to ensure children have age-appropriate online experiences, mandating that social media companies protect individuals under 18 from harmful content. We are achieving a balance by safeguarding children from harm while enabling them to safely benefit from the digital realm.”
