Jun 16, 2026
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UK Bans Social Media for Under-16s

A teacher in the UK has expressed support for the country’s new social media ban for children under the age of 16. The ban, announced by the prime minister, will prevent under-16s from accessing platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and Snapchat.

Protecting Children from Harm

Ben Pickles, a 31-year-old teacher from West Yorkshire, believes the ban is a necessary step to protect children from the potential harms of social media. He has firsthand experience with the issue, having seen the effects of excessive screen use on his students.

According to Pickles, children who spend too much time on social media can experience a range of negative effects, including decreased concentration and declining literacy skills. He also notes that social media can be particularly harmful for young girls, who may be exposed to violent or disturbing content on apps like Snapchat.

A Brave Decision

Pickles describes the UK’s decision to ban social media for under-16s as ‘brave and bold.’ He believes that the move will help to reduce the number of safeguarding instances in schools, which often have an online base. Pickles also notes that the ban will help to educate children about the potential risks of social media and the importance of responsible online behavior.

While some tech companies have criticized the ban, arguing that it could drive children to unregulated alternatives, Pickles is not convinced by this argument. He believes that the benefits of the ban outweigh the potential risks and that it is an important step towards protecting children from harm.


Original reporting: KTBS 3 (Shreveport) — read the source article.

OBBM Network Editorial Staff

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Editorial team behind OBBM Network — independent, hyper-local journalism syndicated through HyperLocalLoop and OBBM Network TV.

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