15/06/2026
Today's announcement of a social media ban for under-16s has prompted us to share our response, and we hope you'll take a moment to read it.
Earlier this year, we signed the For Us Manifesto, a UK-wide campaign led by young people calling for a safer online world. The young people behind that manifesto were clear: they did not want to be banned. They wanted to be protected. They wanted tech companies held responsible for harmful design. They wanted proper digital education in schools. They wanted to be included in decisions that affect their lives.
None of that is what was announced today.
We understand why parents and carers want action. The harms on social media are real, and we have seen the impact on the girls and young women we support. But a ban does not make platforms safer. It removes access without removing the problem. The infinite scrolling, the autoplay, the algorithms designed to keep young people hooked: those features will still be there. The companies that built them will face no new accountability.
For many girls with ADHD, online communities have been a genuine lifeline. A place to find friends who get it. A space to belong when the rest of the world can feel overwhelming. Removing that access is not a neutral decision.
We will continue to advocate for real change, and we will continue to create a safe, welcoming space for girls and young women with ADHD. They deserve better than this.
You can read our full blog post on why safety, not bans, is the right approach, at the link below.
https://unstoppablegirls.org.uk/making-social-media-safer-for-young-people/