Last week, the UK government launched consultation on banning social media for under 16s in the UK as a part of a series of measures which it says are intended to “protect young people’s wellbeing.”
Nik Peasgood, CEO of Leeds Women’s Aid, responds to the proposed measures:
“At Leeds Women’s Aid, we recognise the intention behind proposals to ban social media for under-16s. We see first-hand how social media platforms can perpetuate harmful and unhealthy views about women and girls, and we work closely with children and young people in refuge and across the community to address the negative stereotypes and misinformation they encounter online.
However, we do not believe that a blanket ban on social media is the best approach. This would shift responsibility away from technology companies and governments, who have failed to implement and enforce robust regulations that properly protect children and young people online.
We are also concerned that banning mainstream platforms could push young people into unregulated spaces and forums, where harmful and misogynistic content is often more prevalent. The so-called ‘manosphere’, while visible on mainstream social media, also operates across a wide range of websites, blogs and online forums. A blanket ban could therefore have a dangerous and damaging impact on the ideology of young men.
We recognise how complex this issue is, but we believe alternative approaches must be explored. Social media companies must be held accountable and take the lead in creating safer online environments that genuinely protect and support children and young people, and harmful content must be tackled wherever it exists online.”