UK Social Media Ban for Under-16s is 'All Sticks, No Carrots'

June 17, 2026

South London News Smart London Desk Edited By Jimmy Nsubuga

The Government's plan to ban social media for under-16s has been met with sharp criticism from academics at City St George's, University of London. They argue the move is a simplistic solution to a complex problem.

"All sticks, no carrots"

Experts from City St George's, University of London, believe the ban, announced by Prime Minister Keir Starmer, will not protect young people. Dr Elinor Carmi, a Senior Lecturer in Data Politics & Data Justice, stated, "All sticks, no carrots."

She explained that bans often lead to people finding "unsafe and hidden ways" to access forbidden things. "When you make something forbidden, especially for kids and teens, it makes it even more appealing," she added.

A "disingenuous consultation"

Professor Carrie-Anne Myers, Director of the Centre for Online Safety, Safeguarding, Privacy and Identity (COSPI) at City St George's, questioned the speed of the decision. She called the Government's consultation process "disingenuous."

"Have submissions really been reviewed in a two-week period, or is this a political game play," she asked. Professor Myers argued that banning something is rarely effective and that the focus should be on teaching responsibility.

"Politically convenient" move

Dr Yusuf Oc, a Senior Lecturer in Marketing, described the ban as a "politically convenient move dressed up as a child safety policy." He believes the government is ignoring research that suggests a blanket ban is not the right answer.

"Rather than taking the harder but more effective route of forcing social media companies to clean up their algorithms... the government has reached for the easiest lever available: a blanket ban," he said.

Misdiagnosing responsibility

Dr Devina Sarwatay, a Presidential Fellow at City St George's, argued that the ban "misdiagnoses responsibility." She believes the policy targets access rather than the platform design and business models that cause harm.

"The evidence we have consistently points to platform design and business models as the root causes of harm," she stated. Dr Sarwatay also raised concerns about the social consequences, noting that social media is a vital space for connection and identity formation, especially for marginalised young people.

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South London News Smart London Desk Edited By Jimmy Nsubuga

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