16/09/2026
Should children be banned from social media? 📵
Children urgently need stronger protection online. But at ISPCC, we believe a social media ban alone will not make them safer.
A ban doesn’t remove harmful content, grooming or exploitation. It doesn’t address addictive design or algorithms that can expose children to harmful content. And it could push young people towards less regulated online spaces.
Children themselves are also asking for a different approach. 69% of children surveyed in Ireland said it would be better to teach children about staying safe online rather than introduce a social media ban, while 67% believed children would find ways around one.
We’re calling for safer technology by design, robust age assurance, greater accountability for technology companies, safer algorithms and digital empowerment for children.
Children need action. We believe that means making the digital world safer, not simply harder to access.
🔗 Read our full position at the link in our bio.
