A majority of young people back social media ban for under 16s, survey reveals

Almost seven in 10 young people agree that social media should be banned for those under the age of 16, a new survey has shown.

The research, carried out by the University of Glasgow’s John Smith Centre in partnership with UK pollster Focaldata, found 67 per cent backed the ban citing concerns on the impact it could have on their younger siblings.

Respondents seemed to be against the UK Government’s decision not to push forward with such policy.

Late last year the Australian Government sparked a global debate on restricting social media use, after it decided to ban under 16s from creating a profile.

In December, the UK seemed to be moving towards implementing similar measures, with First Minister John Swinney saying there were “strong arguments” for an Australia-like ban, and that Westminster was considering the policy.

However, earlier this year, the UK Government stepped away from a possible ban, with technology secretary Peter Kyle saying he didn’t have “any plans” to introduce it.

The government’s position was later reinforced when the safer phones bill had to be watered down to secure ministerial backing. The bill would have banned the use of algorithms on teenagers' accounts by raising the digital age of consent from 13 to 16.

The survey, which measured participant’s attitudes and priorities, showed young people are divided on their future and the survival of democracy.

Political hopelessness, financial strain, and dangerous behaviour ranked as some of the top concerns for the more than 2000 participants aged 16 to 29.

Almost three-quarters said they believe racism is a significant issue in the UK and more than two thirds agreed toxic masculinity is becoming more common.

63 per cent believe democracy in the UK is in trouble, and more than seven in 10 said politics is too divided.

More honesty, participation and focus on issues that matter tofaged their age group, ranked as the three top asks from respondents on how to drive youth engagement with politics.

And affordable housing, a better funded NHS and lower taxes for low earners ranked as their top policy areas.

Dr Elisabeth Loose, who led the UK Youth Poll 2025 for the John Smith Centre, said: “Young people are undoubtedly worried about the future of the UK, and they are concerned about the state of democracy.

“However, our poll makes it clear that young people are positive, they support our democratic inheritance, and many want to play a part in it - if only they were given an opportunity to do so.

“As to what young people want from politics, the answer is a more open, honest political culture which provide answers to their basic needs. This is a generation that thinks our politics is too divided and wants politicians to come up with deliverable solutions. Many young people are simply seeking the safety and security of a good job, an affordable home and the comfort of family and friends around them.”

More than six in 10 said they were optimistic about their future, yet almost three in 10 admitted they are “not very or not at all happy”, and more than half said they felt anxious on a daily or weekly basis.

Financial difficulties ranked as the top contributor to anxiety, with around 20 per cent of respondents also pointing to work pressures and job insecurity.

The survey suggested that failing to secure a job can result in lower levels political engagement. Around 80 per cent of those in full-time work had done some political activity within the last year compared to around half of those out of work long-term.

James Kanagasooriam, chief research officer at Focaldata, said: “This poll shows young people are a highly heterodox group and that the old narrative of a monolithic ‘generation war’ pitting young people against all older people is becoming obsolete. In fact the differences within the youth generation by class, education, gender, ethnicity and region are often more pronounced than the differences between generations.

“These patterns challenge any simple characterisation of gen Z - they are largely independent minded, unexpectedly energised in the conservative flank and more willing to participate in civic life than society often assumes.”