‘Social media withdrawal’ warning issued to parents following under-16s ban in UK

A paediatrician has issued a'social media withdrawal' warning to parents following the under-16s ban in the United Kingdom.

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer claimed that the ban on under-16s using social media will give youngsters back their childhood during his announcement earlier today (15 June).

Acknowledging that some youngsters would try to find their way around a ban, he said he would not compromise on the 'safety and happiness of our children'.

The restrictions are set to be passed by Christmas and in place by spring next year, which will leave technology firms, rather than children, liable for enforcement action if they fail to comply.

The Government is also looking at potential overnight curfews and breaks in infinite scrolling for under-18s, with more details expected next month.

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced a ban on young teenagers using social media earlier this morning (Bloomberg / Contributor / Getty Images)

The ban is expected to cover platforms like Snapchat, TikTok, YouTube, Instagram, Facebook and X, but not messaging services like WhatsApp and Signal.

Dr Tom Maggs, Chief Medical Officer and Paediatrician at Healthwords.ai, has since explained that parents shouldn't be surprised if teenagers experience a 'social media withdrawal' period when restrictions are introduced.

"For many young people, checking social media has become an automatic habit," he continued. "When that habit is disrupted, it's common to see irritability, boredom, restlessness and a strong urge to reach for a phone, particularly in the first few weeks."

An expert has issued a warning over 'social media withdrawal' following Starmer's announcement (Getty Stock Images)

According to the expert, what's important is recognising that these reactions are 'often temporary'.

"The focus should be on helping young people replace scrolling with activities that support their wellbeing, confidence and real-world connections," Dr Maggs noted.

While acknowledging that a social media ban won't instantly solve issues such as anxiety or poor mental health, the paediatrician said it could create 'an opportunity for healthier routines, better sleep and more meaningful offline experiences to develop over time'.

The restrictions are set to be passed by Christmas and in place by spring next year (Getty Stock Images)

The Government website outlines that the landmark plans will 'set a new normal for future generations, kickstarting a cultural shift and driving forward the Government’s fight to give every child the best start in life',

Starmer, who is a father-of-two himself, said: "This is not something I do lightly, and I will not present it as cost-free, as if social media has brought no benefits to young people, because clearly that is wrong.

"But Government is always about choices, and it’s clear to me that a full ban is the right choice."

He explained: "I come to it as a parent myself. I know exactly the fears that we all feel when we’re thinking about this issue.

"All I’ve ever wanted for my own children, hand on heart, is for them to be happy and for them to be safe, and I think that’s what any parent wants, but I ask the question now: Do we truly believe that social media creates a happy environment for our children?"