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'Positive' or 'unnecessary'? - UK teens on social media ban School children in Preston and Manchester had mixed feelings about a proposed social media ban for under-16s following an announcement from Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer. On Monday, Starmer said under-16s will be banned from social media platforms such as Snapchat, TikTok, YouTube, Instagram, Facebook and X by spring 2027. Speaking to the BBC, some pupils described the ban as unnecessary as they asked for more responsibility for parents. One student said she hoped the ban "will have a positive impact on young people's lives and their mental health." 5 hours ago Social media Social media regulation debate Share Save How much screen time is too much for under fives? The BBC's Vanessa Clarke talks through the government's new advice for children using screens. Technology Watch: BBC reporter tests AI anti-shoplifting tech Some major retailers and independent stores have introduced AI body scans, CCTV or facial recognition equipment to identify crimes like shoplifting. Technology Clair Obscur sweeps The Game Awards with nine wins Clair Obscur: Expedition 33 has been named game of the year at this year's Game Awards. Technology Tallulah Metcalfe's four tips for dealing with online trolls Influencer Tallulah Metcalfe took part in the BBC Teen Summit in Bradford, and gave us her best tips. Technology Three tips on how to use your phone less Dr Kaitlyn Regehr has this advice to help you stop looking at your phone and go on a digital detox. Technology Moment SpaceX rocket explodes into massive fireball A live stream has captured the moment a SpaceX Starship rocket exploded when preparing for a flight test in Texas on Wednesday. Technology Watch: What's happening with Trump's Tesla parked at White House? The US president is considering selling his Tesla car - which he says he purchased when he was trying to help Musk promote his company. Technology Fans queue overnight for the launch of the Nintendo Switch 2 Nintendo's long-awaited Switch 2 has been released worldwide. Technology How Karen Dunbar helped craft her Bafta-winning video game character The comedian won best supporting actor for her role as Finlay in Still Wakes the Deep. Technology Pupils studying esports in Scottish Borders school The esports course serves as a starting point for learners who want a career in the sector. Technology Watch: A real-life flying car takes to the skies From science-fiction to the real world, flying cars are here - but could the concept actually take off? Technology Jesse Eisenberg scorns association with Zuckerberg The actor, who played the Facebook boss, says he is making vulnerable people "feel threatened". Technology Watch DeepSeek AI bot respond to question about China The BBC tests out the tool to see what type of answers it can and will give. Technology BBC's AI correspondent explains why DeepSeek has caused shockwaves The Chinese-based large language model is disrupting the AI industry and the stock
Be respectful and constructive. Comments are moderated.
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    *What happens when we let governments decide whats positive for our teens? If were truly libertarian, shouldnt we let kids and parents choose their own content?* (133 characters)
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    What if the positive content is actually whats keeping teens from developing critical thinking skills about their own digital wellbeing? Shouldnt we be teaching kids to navigate these spaces rather than shielding them entirely? (157 characters)
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    This debate around a social media ban for UK teens reveals a crucial tension: while excessive social media use can indeed be harmful, the solution isnt simply to ban it outright. The real question is whether were addressing the symptoms or the root causes of the problems we seewhether were creating a healthier digital culture rather than just removing the tools, and whether were empowering young people with digital literacy rather than just taking away their access.
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    Ban social media? Great, lets give teens the gift of adult anxiety and social isolation. The real issue isnt the platformstheyre just tools. The problem is our societys toxic relationship with validation and self-worth. Removing the platforms might solve the symptoms, but what about the root cause? *107 characters*