UK teachers call for ‘Australia-style’ social media ban on under-16s

Calls for a nationwide social media ban for children under 16 has intensified after recent news of teachers facing classroom violence in Greater Manchester schools.

NASUWT, a leading UK teachers’ union, has demanded the labour government ban social meda usage for children after teachers from two primary schools, Ravensfield and Lily Lane, recently led a strike action to voice their concerns. 

Teachers say they are struggling every day, dealing with children who are wholly influenced by the content they consume online.

In a press release, NASUWT claims teachers at both schools report that assault levels have grown to ‘untenable levels.’ It also claims that the leadership at both schools have been made aware, yet they refuse to take any action.

In the same release, Matt Wrack, General Secretary of NASUWT, said: “It is fair to say that this strike constitutes a declaration of emergency from the teachers. The health and safety of everyone at these schools is at risk.

Not only are school and trust leaders failing in their basic duty of care to provide this environment, but they have gone as far as to intimidate and punish staff who report concerns. 

Figures released by NASUWT last April reported that, of the 5,800 teachers surveyed, 81% believe there has been a negative shift in their student’s behaviour with them. 

An additional 62% revealed they’ve experienced stress as a result of dealing with children, and 52% also considered leaving the profession altogether.

NASUWT also pointed towards growing evidence between usage of social media and negative behaviour by children under 16. “Evidence from NASUWT teachers identifies that children’s sustained use of social media leads to reductions in attention spans, concentration and capacity for sustained learning, due in part to over-exposure to highly stimulating and short-form digital content,” NASUWT revealed in a press statement.

Husna Begum, 33, who teaches grade 7 at Stretford High School, said: “Social media is definitely having an impact on attention spans. I’ve had children get irritated in class, lose focus and get argumentative.

“As a parent, it’s tough to see because I have very young children myself. Whether these children are spending too much time on TikTok or online, only their parents can tell.”

In another statement, Matt Wrack said: “Social media companies have shown time and again that they will not act responsibly unless they are forced to do so.

“If we are serious about safeguarding children, protecting their mental health and combating the behaviour crisis in our schools, then a statutory ban for under‑16s must happen urgently.”

Australia has a similar ban on access to social media for children under 16, with its implementation taking place in December 2025. The aim is to ban or limit access to harmful content.

Currently, the UK has the ‘Online Safety Act,’ which has strict age-verification to protect children from sensitive content. It remains to be seen whether a children-specific act will be passed by the government.