Social media should be prohibited for individuals under the age of 16 to enhance focus in schools and mitigate harm to mental well-being, according to a prominent teaching union.
The teachers’ union NASUWT has urged the Government to mandate major tech platforms to block children from accessing their services, following Australia’s decision to ban social media for those under 16 in December. NASUWT asserts that increasing evidence indicates unregulated social media access is fueling disruptive behavior in schools, negatively impacting the mental health of young individuals, and exposing them to violent and explicit content.
These concerns have arisen amidst a controversy surrounding X’s AI chatbot Grok, which has been reportedly used to produce sexualized images of individuals, including minors, upon user requests. NASUWT’s general secretary, Matt Wrack, emphasized the challenges teachers face daily due to the repercussions of a social media environment not originally intended for children.
Wrack stated, “Social media companies consistently fail to act responsibly unless compelled to do so. If we are genuinely concerned about safeguarding children, preserving their mental health, and addressing the behavioral crisis in schools, implementing a legal prohibition for under-16s is imperative.”
A survey conducted by NASUWT in 2025 among 5,800 teacher members revealed that around 81% reported a rise in students displaying violent and abusive conduct, with nearly 59% attributing deteriorating behavior to social media. In a separate poll of 300 members, 89% supported a statutory ban on social media for individuals under 16.
Liz Kendall, the Technology Secretary, expressed her readiness to support regulator Ofcom in potentially blocking X if it fails to comply with UK regulations. Recently, X adjusted Grok’s settings, informing users that only paid subscribers could request image manipulations.
The head of the schools watchdog Ofsted voiced concerns at the close of last year about social media eroding children’s attention spans and encouraging disrespectful behavior. A recent Mirror poll indicated that 64% of respondents endorse a social media ban for those under 16, while only 19% oppose the idea.
Wrack further commented, “Our members highlight that social media has become a primary driver of disruptive behavior, anxiety, and disengagement in classrooms. Children deserve the opportunity to develop, learn, and foster healthy relationships without being ensnared in an online realm that exploits their vulnerabilities.”
“We advocate for the Government to align with other nations in supporting children and young individuals by enacting a ban that would garner widespread backing from parents and educators,” Wrack added.
Responding to these concerns, Daniel Kebede, General Secretary of the National Education Union, remarked, “We applaud NASUWT’s endorsement of this stance. Social media is depriving our children of their childhoods. Platforms designed for profit relentlessly seize the attention of youngsters, replacing genuine friendships with addictive, tailored feeds.”
He continued, “What should be years of exploration, play, and education are instead spent in corporate-controlled online spaces that monetize every interaction, insecurity, and waking moment. Government inaction is exacerbating this crisis.”
A Government representative stated, “We support headteachers in implementing measures to prevent disruptions in schools – the majority already limit phone usage during school hours to maintain focus on learning.
“Through the Online Safety Act, we have taken significant steps to ensure children have age-appropriate online experiences, mandating that social media companies safeguard under-18s from harmful content. We are committed to striking a balance: shielding children from harm while enabling them to safely navigate the digital realm.”
