Social media usage for individuals under the age of 16 should be prohibited to enhance focus in educational settings and safeguard mental well-being, as highlighted by a major teaching union.
The National Association of Schoolmasters Union of Women Teachers (NASUWT) has called on the government to compel major tech platforms to block children’s access to social media. This recommendation follows Australia’s recent decision to ban social media for those under 16. NASUWT argues that increasing evidence indicates that unrestricted social media access contributes to disruptive behavior in schools, negatively impacts the mental health of young individuals, and exposes them to violent and explicit content.
The call for action coincides with a controversy surrounding X’s AI chatbot Grok, which has been misused to generate inappropriate images, including those of children. Matt Wrack, the General Secretary of NASUWT, emphasized the challenges faced by teachers due to the unsuitability of the current social media environment for minors.
NASUWT conducted a survey among 5,800 teachers in 2025, revealing that 81% reported a rise in violent and abusive behavior among students, with 59% attributing deteriorating behavior to social media influence. Another poll of 300 members indicated that 89% supported a legal ban on social media for those under 16.
Liz Kendall, the Technology Secretary, expressed readiness to support Ofcom in blocking X if it failed to comply with UK regulations. Concerns raised by the head of Ofsted highlighted the detrimental impact of social media on children’s attention spans and behavior. A recent poll by Mirror showed that 64% of respondents favor a ban on social media for under 16s.
Matt Wrack reiterated the negative effects of social media on behavior and mental health, advocating for government intervention to protect children from the harmful aspects of online platforms.
In response, Daniel Kebede, General Secretary of the National Education Union, echoed the concerns, emphasizing how social media is eroding children’s childhood experiences and replacing genuine interactions with profit-driven online engagements.
A Government spokesperson emphasized the importance of supporting headteachers in maintaining school discipline and highlighted the government’s efforts through the Online Safety Act to protect minors from harmful online content while ensuring safe digital experiences.