UK Teenagers Social Media Ban By Adna Abdi

by Adna Abdi London Hott Radio Youth Team

A few weeks ago we published an article on the social media ban announced in the UK for teenagers. Adna Abdi has given her view along with several students from her school in South London, UK.

A social media ban is a topic that many people have different opinions about. Some believe it can help reduce problems like cyberbullying, misinformation, and spending too much time online. Others think social media is an important way to stay connected with friends and family, share ideas, and keep up with news and events. Whether a social media ban is helpful or harmful depends on how it is used and the reasons for introducing it. Because of this, it continues to be debated by governments, schools, and the public.

I believe a social media ban can do more harm than good because social media gives many young people access to learning opportunities they might not have otherwise. Not every student has access to good schools, qualified teachers, or extra learning resources, but social media allows them to watch educational videos, find study tips, and learn new skills for free. It can also help students stay informed about current events and connect with educational communities around the world. Although social media has some risks, I think teaching young people how to use it responsibly is a better solution than banning it completely.

Opinions of different people

“I think it’s both a good and a bad thing. It won’t affect me as much as other people because I’m turning 16 a few months before the ban. Even so, I understand why apps like TikTok, Snapchat, and Instagram are being banned since they aren’t always the best for people our age. However, I don’t think YouTube should be included. YouTube teaches people about almost everything. For example, my guitar teacher has a YouTube channel where he teaches lessons, and many people use videos like his to learn new skills for free.” -Phoebe

“I think it’s ridiculous that 16 and 17 year olds are being given a social media curfew. At that age, they are legally allowed to do many things, such as have sex and drink alcohol with an adult in some situations, yet they wouldn’t be allowed to use social media after 8:30 p.m. Many students use platforms like YouTube and other social media to revise, learn new skills, or complete schoolwork in the evening. A curfew doesn’t take into account that social media can also be a valuable educational tool.” -Zoe

“I think it’s a great idea because young kids don’t really need to be on social media. Instead, they could spend more time focusing on school, playing sports, getting a part-time job when they’re old enough, or taking part in other activities. These things can help them build skills, stay healthy, and spend more time with friends and family in real life. Overall, I think encouraging kids to spend less time on social media is a positive change.” -Sin

Last article published on same subject to read below…