Education Minister Paul Givan welcomes a ban on under-16s using social media, calling it the right step to shield young people from harms and noting related measures like a school pilot that allows pupils to leave devices in pouches during the day.

Givan argues the policy will prevent premature social media exposure from infringing on childhood, drawing on his own experience managing his children's phone use.

He frames the ban as building on existing efforts, including the pouch pilot, and cites parental support for reducing screen time during the school day.

Opposition figures urge a careful, principle‑based discussion about responsibilities of social media platforms rather than rushing policy for political timing.

The broader debate centers on balancing child protection with youths’ rights and independence, highlighting societal implications of youth social media use.

Givan links early social media exposure to anxiety, mental health issues, low self‑esteem, depression, and eating disorders, arguing the ban would mitigate these harms and support families.

He cites research on harms from early use and argues the restriction would protect children and relieve parental worry.

The discussion acknowledges parental concerns and points to possible shifts of responsibility toward platforms and policymakers to address content and access for minors.

Prime Minister Starmer publicly positions the ban as a national policy at a No. 10 press conference, framing it as protecting children from the harms of early social media use.

There is broader societal support for the measure, with emphasis on safeguarding youth mental health and wellbeing.

Both politicians emphasize protecting children while acknowledging the wider responsibilities of social media platforms.

Givan cites international precedents, noting a similar ban in Victoria, Australia described as transformative, and argues it will help parents manage their children’s phone use.