Children’s Health Scotland has published its response to the national consultation on proposals to introduce a social media ban for under 16s, drawing directly on the voices of children, young people, parents and carers. While the intention to improve online safety is welcomed, the organisation is urging policymakers to rethink a blanket ban approach, warning that it risks creating unintended consequences—particularly for children with health conditions and disabilities.
Commenting on the consultation, Helen Forrest, Chief Executive, Children’s Health Scotland said:
Children and young people have been clear with us—they want to be safe, but they also want to be connected, included and supported. We cannot protect children by removing the very spaces where they access support, build confidence and feel a sense of belonging.
Listening to Children’s Lived Experience
The response is informed by Children’s Health Scotland’s Family Participation Group and Health Rights Defenders—young people with lived experience of health conditions and disabilities. Their message is clear: digital spaces are not just entertainment, they are lifelines. Children described using digital platforms to learn, connect with others and build confidence. For some, especially those who experience exclusion in school or community settings, online environments are one of the few places where they feel included.
One young person shared:
I make new friends in the gaming world which helps build my confidence in the real world.
Parents echoed this, highlighting how digital access enables their children to maintain friendships and reduce isolation.
A Complex Reality: Benefit and Risk
The consultation response recognises that children’s digital lives are complex. While there are clear risks—including exposure to harmful content, sleep disruption and online interactions—these risks are not simply about how much time children spend online. Instead, Children’s Health Scotland highlights that risks are embedded in platform design, algorithms and the lack of effective safeguards. Too often, responsibility is placed on children, parents and carers to manage environments they do not control. The organisation is calling for a shift in accountability towards social media providers, urging stronger safeguards, transparent algorithms and proactive measures to prevent harmful content from being amplified.
Why a Blanket Ban Falls Short
Children’s Health Scotland does not support a blanket ban on social media for under 16s.
Evidence gathered through the consultation shows that restrictions which do not reflect children’s lived experience may be bypassed, leading to hidden and unmonitored use. For children who rely on digital platforms for support and connection, restrictions may also increase isolation and reduce access to essential services.
This is particularly significant for children with health conditions or disabilities. Digital participation can play a vital role in managing wellbeing, accessing peer support and continuing education.
Learning from COVID-19
The organisation also highlights lessons from the COVID-19 pandemic, where digital access became essential for education and social connection.
During this time, some children with additional needs experienced greater inclusion through remote learning. However, inconsistencies in support and access also exposed inequalities that continue today—particularly for children in hospital or those receiving care across different local authority areas.
These experiences demonstrate that digital access, when designed well, can support inclusion. But inconsistent provision risks leaving the most vulnerable children behind.
A Call for a Rights-Based Approach
Children’s Health Scotland is calling for a more balanced, rights-based approach that reflects children’s needs, experiences and evolving capacity. Rather than focusing solely on restriction, the organisation is urging policymakers to:
- Strengthen safeguards within digital platforms
- Address platform design and algorithmic risks
- Support parents and carers
- Protect access to trusted, moderated digital services
- Involve children and young people in decision-making
Above all, policy must ensure that protection does not come at the expense of participation.
Moving Forward
As digital environments continue to shape how children learn, connect and experience the world, Children’s Health Scotland is clear that national leadership is needed.
A one-size-fits-all approach risks excluding those who benefit most from digital connection. Instead, the focus must shift towards creating safer digital environments by design—while ensuring all children can access the opportunities and support they need.
As Helen Forrest concludes:
This is not about choosing between protection and participation. It is about getting the balance right. We need policies that keep children safe while ensuring no child is excluded from the connections, support and opportunities that digital spaces can provide.
