Sir John has set out his position on proposals to restrict social media use for under-16s, acknowledging the growing concern among parents, teachers and health professionals about the impact of online platforms on children’s wellbeing.
He said there is clear evidence that children’s relationship with smartphones and social media has changed significantly in recent years, with algorithm-driven platforms exposing young users to harmful content, disrupting sleep and attention, and contributing to declining mental health and behavioural challenges in schools.
While recognising the seriousness of the issue and the case made by some for raising the minimum age for social media access to 16, Sir John said he is not yet persuaded that a blanket statutory ban would provide the protections children need in practice. He warned that without robust and enforceable age-verification systems, such a policy could exist largely on paper while under-age access continues.
He also raised concerns about unintended consequences, including the risk of pushing young users towards less regulated or overseas platforms, and questioned whether higher age limits could be enforced consistently and proportionately.
Sir John emphasised that Parliament has already introduced significant new powers through the Online Safety Act, giving Ofcom the authority to hold technology companies accountable for harmful content and to require meaningful age assurance. He believes the immediate priority must be ensuring these powers are fully implemented and enforced.
He added that schools also need clearer backing and practical support in managing mobile phone use, but that solutions must be workable across very different settings.
Sir John said that while inaction is not an option, the responsible course now is to make the current framework work as intended and to hold platforms to account. He noted that if existing protections fail to deliver real change, stronger measures may need to be considered in the future.