British teenagers want tighter social media rules, and this should form part of a broader child‑wellbeing plan

Polling shows many young people favour tougher social media regulation, and UK ministers are debating age limits as part of wider measures for children’s wellbeing; a government consultation is under way and Parliament will discuss the idea this week.

British teenagers and social media are at the centre of a growing policy debate. Around the world, some governments have moved to restrict platform access for younger children, and public concern in the UK has risen as officials weigh their options. Recent polling finds many young people want stronger rules, and ministers are considering whether age limits should sit alongside broader support for children. At the same time, research and charities urge caution and further study of other pressures on young people. Key points: - French lawmakers recently voted to ban under-15s from social media, and senior officials there framed the move as a protection for young people. - Polling cited in the article reports that about half of 16- to 24-year-olds wish they had spent less time on their phones and that three-quarters back tougher regulation for young people. - In the UK, a government consultation on teens and social media is ongoing; the Conservatives have amended the children’s wellbeing and schools bill to put a ban on the table and plan an opposition day debate this week. - Independent research finds mixed evidence on causation between social media use and mental health; a large University of Manchester study reported no link between heavier use in one year and increased anxiety or depression the next. - Charities and bereaved campaigners stress caution, pointing to risks such as migration to less regulated services, and some argue the Online Safety Act should be allowed to operate before pursuing further measures. Summary: The article argues that while many teenagers and parts of the public support tighter social media limits, any age‑limit proposal should be set within a broader national effort on child wellbeing that also addresses services, activities, poverty and schooling pressures. A government consultation is continuing and Parliament will debate the proposal this week; further legislative outcomes are undetermined at this time.