Plans to ban under-16s from using social media have been welcomed by both a Hampshire MP and an Andover school, as the government moves to strengthen protections for young people online.
The proposed ban follows months of debate over how best to tackle concerns about children’s exposure to harmful content, excessive screen time and the impact of social media on mental health.
North West Hampshire MP Kit Malthouse said the move was “about time”, after repeated warnings from parents, teachers and campaigners.
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'The government should be doing everything possible to help manufacturers'
He said: "For months, parents, teachers and campaigners have been warning about the damage social media is doing to children.
"The government has spent much of that time dithering, so I’m pleased it has finally acted.
"In Hampshire, parents have repeatedly talked about children being exposed to harmful content, struggling with anxiety, and finding it harder to switch off from an online world designed to keep them hooked."
Mr Malthouse said that while Conservatives do not “instinctively reach for bans”, action was justified in this case.
"We believe in freedom and personal responsibility, but when it comes to children, protection must come first," he said.
He added that responsibility for enforcing the changes must sit with technology companies rather than families.
"The key now is making sure the responsibility falls where it belongs: on the social media companies, not on parents.
"Families are already battling over screens every day," he said.
He also warned ministers must ensure harmful content does not shift onto other platforms, including gaming services aimed at young people.
Harrow Way School in Andover has also backed the proposals, having already introduced a phone-free policy for pupils.
A spokesperson for the school said the change had brought clear benefits.
They said: "As a school, we welcome measures that seek to protect young people and support their wellbeing.
"We have already taken the decision to make our school a phone-free environment and we have seen the positive impact it has on students’ relationships, engagement and enjoyment of school life.
"Without phones in their hands, young people spend more time talking to one another, building the social skills that are so important for their development."
The school added that excessive screen time and exposure to unrealistic online content can negatively affect confidence, mental health and overall wellbeing.
Headteacher Mrs Dawn German said: "Our role is not simply to prepare young people for exams; it is to help them grow into healthy, confident and resilient adults.
"Anything that supports that aim deserves careful consideration."
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