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Read a book? Join a club? Stare at a wall? Social media alternatives for under-16s

From The Guardian · () English

Summarized and contextualized by DistantNews.

At a glance

In-depth Named sources Context piece
  • A proposed social media ban for under-16s in the UK has sparked debate about alternatives for young people.
  • Experts suggest focusing on providing connection, belonging, entertainment, and inspiration, rather than just replacing social media.
  • Activities like youth clubs, film projects, music groups, and volunteering are recommended as substitutes for online engagement.

The prospect of a social media ban for under-16s in the UK has prompted widespread discussion about what young people will do instead. A viral clip of a schoolgirl quipping she would "stare at a wall" captured the anxieties many parents share regarding the potential consequences of such a government proposal.

Stare at a wall

— Lancashire schoolgirlHer deadpanned response to what she would do if a proposed social media ban for under-16s came into effect went viral.

Experts caution that simply telling children to "go outside, read a book or join a club" oversimplifies the issue. "It's not as simple as that," said Arran Wilson of The Wildlife Trusts. "We need to think about the world we've been raising them in." He emphasized that the challenge is not to find a direct substitute for platforms like TikTok or Instagram, but to replace the underlying needs they fulfill.

It’s not as simple as that. We need to think about the world we’ve been raising them in.

— Arran WilsonFrom The Wildlife Trusts, he cautioned against oversimplifying the search for alternatives to social media.

Children's author Rob Biddulph explained that young people use social media not for the platforms themselves, but for connection, belonging, entertainment, and inspiration. Therefore, the focus should be on providing these elements through alternative activities. Organizations like The Scouts highlight their role in connecting young people with others outside their immediate friendship circles.

Kids don’t go on social media because they love social media per se. They go there looking for connection and for belonging – and for entertainment and inspiration.

— Rob BiddulphThe children's author explained the underlying needs that drive young people to social media.

Numerous organizations offer structured activities that foster these needs. BFI film clubs, Youth Music projects, and libraries now host gaming sessions, manga clubs, and creative workshops. Girlguiding recommends volunteering and community involvement, while The National Trust suggests exploring activities that help young people find a sense of identity and stimulation. The National Saturday Club offers free weekly sessions in art, design, and creative writing at cultural venues across the UK.

The answer might reveal they’re searching for a sense of identity, stimul

— John GlancyOf the National Trust, he suggested parents ask children why they are drawn to certain social media platforms or video games.
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Originally published by The Guardian. Summarized and contextualized by our editorial team with added local perspective. Read our editorial standards.

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