Speaking on BBC Radio Leeds About Supporting Young People Through the Proposed Social Media Ban

The planned social media ban for under-16s, due to be introduced in spring 2027, has started an important conversation about young people's online lives and digital wellbeing.

I was grateful to be invited by Gayle Lofthouse to speak on BBC Radio Leeds about what these proposed changes could mean for families, and how parents and carers can best support the young people in their lives.

Social media can help young people stay connected, express themselves and explore their interests. However, concerns about mental health, online safety, sleep and exposure to harmful content have led to growing discussions about how children use digital platforms.

Whatever your views on the proposed ban, this is a valuable opportunity to start open, honest conversations with young people about their online experiences. Rather than focusing only on restrictions, ask what they enjoy about social media, whether anything online makes them feel uncomfortable and how they would cope with spending less time on these platforms.

Parents and carers can also encourage healthy digital habits by creating screen-free time, modelling balanced technology use and supporting activities away from devices. Keeping communication open and listening without judgement can make it easier for young people to share their thoughts and concerns.

As technology continues to evolve, there is no single right approach. Every family is different, but helping young people build a healthy relationship with social media and creating a safe space for conversations will always be one of the most effective ways to support their wellbeing.

Thank you again to Gayle Lofthouse and BBC Radio Leeds for inviting me to discuss such an important and timely topic.

Listen to the interview