A proposed ban on social media use for children under 16 in the United Kingdom has received strong support from parents, but young people who would be directly affected by the policy have expressed a range of views, from backing tighter controls to opposing a complete restriction.

A group of 10 children aged between 12 and 16 discussed the issue this week, reflecting differing opinions on how authorities should address concerns around online safety, addictive features and harmful content. Their views came as the government considered measures aimed at improving children’s online protection, including possible age limits for high-risk platforms and restrictions on certain features.

The debate has focused not only on whether younger users should be prevented from accessing major social media platforms but also on whether companies should be required to change how their services operate. Possible measures under consideration include limiting autoplay videos, reducing infinite scrolling features, introducing stronger parental controls and restricting personalised algorithms.

Precisa, a 13-year-old who uses TikTok and Instagram, said social media was important for her small roll-on deodorant business because she relies on the platforms for promotion. She also uses Snapchat mainly for messaging and communication.A complete ban, she said, would create difficulties for young people who use social media for constructive purposes, including entrepreneurship and community activities.

She argued that stronger monitoring of harmful content and limits on usage would be more effective than removing access entirely.Precisa, who is also deputy youth mayor of the London borough of Hammersmith and Fulham, said social media platforms help promote youth council activities and allow young people to engage with wider audiences.

Other teenagers expressed similar concerns about a blanket ban. Zoe, 14, said she mainly uses Snapchat and has limited access to other platforms because of restrictions set by her parents. She said she did not support a ban, arguing that parental controls could provide protection while allowing young people to develop digital skills.

However, Zoe raised concerns about personalised algorithms, saying she was uncomfortable with platforms delivering content specifically selected for individual users. The government consultation has examined possible restrictions on such systems because of concerns about their impact on young users.

YouTube emerged as a major part of the discussion among younger participants. Several 12-year-olds said they regularly use the platform to watch music, sports and educational content. While YouTube has an age limit of 13, younger children can access it through supervised accounts designed to provide age-appropriate viewing.

Some participants said they would miss the platform if access were restricted. Sophia, 12, said she uses YouTube for music and art videos and would lose access to content she enjoys. Milei, also 12, said a ban would be difficult to accept and called for a less extreme approach.Accurisa, 12, said she enjoyed watching football-related creators and supported restrictions on unsafe material rather than removing all access.

She added that if she had to wait until age 16 to use certain apps, she would likely join them later because more of her older friends would already be there.Kit, 12, took a different position and supported a stricter approach similar to Australia’s restrictions on some social media platforms for younger users. He said social media could become addictive and affect friendships and mental health.

His brother Xander, 14, disagreed with a full ban, saying social media can have educational benefits. He argued that parents should play a larger role in managing children’s online activity and warned that sudden restrictions could face resistance from young users.Some participants supported limiting access rather than banning platforms altogether.

Blair, 12, said children should be allowed to use many apps but that some services were too dangerous for younger users.The government has been examining whether restrictions should focus specifically on platforms considered harmful while allowing safer services to remain available under stricter rules. Another issue being considered is whether banning certain platforms could expose teenagers to unsafe content elsewhere when they eventually gain full access.

Lekso, 16, who uses Snapchat and Instagram, said time limits could be an effective starting point. He said social media was not only about entertainment but also communication with friends and communities.

Andrew, 13, also supported limits on usage. He suggested restricting access during school days because of academic responsibilities and allowing limited use during weekends. He said social media could easily become distracting and difficult to stop using.Parents have largely supported stronger restrictions.

A survey cited in the debate found that nine in 10 UK parents support banning social media access for children under 16. However, the teenagers consulted showed that young users are not united on the issue.

Nino Dvalidze, a parent involved in organising the discussion and founder of Young Minds App, said the focus should be on helping children use technology safely rather than creating fear around digital tools.The discussion reflects a wider challenge for policymakers: balancing protection from online risks with young people’s access to communication, learning and creativity.

While many teenagers acknowledge problems linked to social media, their responses suggest that approaches involving supervision, limits and platform changes may be viewed differently from a complete ban.As one participant noted, decisions about online rules will have a direct impact on young people, even though they are often made by adults.