Why Under 16's Deserve a Life Beyond the Feed

The debate around banning social media for under 16s is often framed as censorship versus freedom, control versus choice. But for many of us working closely with families, young people, and digital wellbeing — and for those of us raising children ourselves — the issue feels far simpler, and far more human.

This isn’t about punishment. It’s about protection.

It’s about recognising that powerful tech companies are competing for children’s time and attention at a scale we’ve never seen before — often at the expense of their wellbeing, development, and sense of self.

We’re facing a loneliness epidemic

We’re seeing growing numbers of young people who are anxious, isolated, and struggling to feel connected — despite being constantly “connected” online. Social media offers the illusion of belonging, without the nourishment of real relationship.

For developing brains, this matters deeply. Adolescents are wired for connection, feedback, and social learning. When those needs are met primarily through platforms designed to maximise attention — not wellbeing — loneliness doesn’t disappear. It deepens.

A ban acknowledges a difficult but important truth: some environments are simply not appropriate for children whose nervous systems and identities are still forming.

Expecting kids to regulate their use feels unfair and unrealistic

Smartphones and social platforms are built using persuasive design — engineered to hook, reward, and keep users coming back. Adults struggle to regulate their use. Expecting children to do so feels unrealistic, and unfair.

We already accept age limits in other areas — driving, alcohol, gambling — not because young people are incapable, but because timing matters. Exposure matters. Development matters.

In our view at The Digital Detox Club, a ban isn’t a failure of parenting. It’s an act of collective care.

A ban creates space for connection to return

Removing social media doesn’t solve loneliness on its own — but it creates space. Space for boredom. For face-to-face interaction. For deeper friendships to form without constant comparison, performance, or interruption.

Crucially, it also removes pressure. Many young people tell us they wish they weren’t on social media, but feel unable to step away alone. A ban levels the playing field. No one is missing out because no one is expected to be there.

That matters more than we often realise.

Presence must be prioritised in a digital age

A ban only works if we, as parents and adults, step forward to fill the gap. If screens are removed, presence must be added.

That means:

• More shared time, not more rules

• More listening, less lectures

• More community spaces where young people can gather offline

  
  

Loneliness is not eased by restriction alone. It’s eased by relationship.

This is about the world we’re choosing to build

Banning social media for under 16s isn’t about turning back time or rejecting technology. It’s about acknowledging that the current digital environment is not neutral — and that children deserve better than to be the test subjects.

If we’re serious about tackling loneliness, mental health, and disconnection, then creating clear, collective boundaries isn’t extreme. It’s responsible.

And it gives us the chance to rebuild something we’ve quietly lost: real connection, in real life.

If this resonates, you’re not alone. Many parents we meet are quietly questioning the role tech is playing in their homes — wanting less tension, more presence, and stronger connection with their children.

Our Tech Reset was created to support families through that shift. It offers gentle, practical ways to step back from screens, understand what’s really driving tech use, and rebuild calmer, more connected rhythms at home. There’s no shame, no perfection required — just support for doing the best you can in a digital world that makes presence harder than it should be.

However you choose to move forward, small moments of connection matter. They always have.

Nicola and Laura

The Digital Detox Club

Real life is our obsession.

Intrigued about our 30-day Tech Reset? Learn more here.