Digital platforms urge UK to pair under-16 social media ban with education

Startingpoint and Goald Challenges say the UK’s planned under-16 social media ban could protect young people only if it is matched with stronger safeguards, digital literacy and platform accountability. The Hull-based platforms argue restriction alone may leave children and families unprepared for a digital-first world.

Why it matters: - Startingpoint and Goald Challenges say a ban alone will not prepare young people for life online. - The platforms argue the UK needs a policy that combines protection, education and platform accountability. - Their warning comes as the UK plans to ban social media use for under-16s.

What happened: - Hull-based Startingpoint and Goald Challenges issued a joint response to the UK’s planned under-16 social media ban. - The two platforms said policymakers should focus on safer design, better digital literacy and stronger safeguards. - Both organisations work with schools, young people, families and communities across the UK. - Tom Simpson, CEO and founder of Startingpoint, said social media is neither inherently harmful nor inherently safe and needs responsible design, education and guidance. - Matthew McKay, CEO and founder of Goald Challenges, said the policy debate should lead to a healthier digital environment rather than simply removing access.

The details: - Startingpoint and Goald Challenges want stronger age verification and age-appropriate design across major platforms. - The organisations want platforms held accountable for harmful algorithms, addictive design features and weak reporting and safeguarding systems. - They are calling for greater transparency about how content is recommended, moderated and prioritised for young users. - The platforms also want nationwide digital literacy programmes for parents, carers, schools and youth organisations. - In a joint statement, the organisations said young people deserve online spaces that are safe by design, not safe only after harm occurs. - The statement said regulation should place responsibility on platforms instead of parents, schools or young people alone. - The organisations said they will keep working with schools, families and communities on safe and informed use of digital technologies. - The companies said they are ready to support government in developing evidence-based, youth-centred policy. - The ban does not directly affect either platform because both are private and not open social media networks. - Startingpoint is an employability platform based in Hull that helps young people build skills, confidence and work experience. - HETA has used Startingpoint for three years for young people to showcase their talent during applications. - The Department for Work and Pensions in Barking and Young Enterprise have also used Startingpoint to engage young people. - Goald Challenges is a challenge app based in Hull that lets users challenge anyone, anywhere, anytime, while raising funds for a chosen cause. - Goald Challenges says it supports charities, schools, community groups and workplace wellbeing. - The Duke of Edinburgh Award is using Goald Challenges as its app for World Clean Up Day.

Between the lines: - The response reflects a broader policy tension: reducing harm online without limiting digital participation or skills-building. - Startingpoint and Goald Challenges are positioning education and design standards as a long-term fix, not just age limits. - The joint message suggests platforms, families and schools all have a role, but tech companies should carry more of the burden.

What's next: - Startingpoint and Goald Challenges said they will continue working with schools, families and communities on digital safety and confidence. - The organisations said they stand ready to help government develop youth-centred policy. - The UK’s under-16 social media plan is expected to keep prompting debate over enforcement, safety and digital readiness.

The bottom line: - The platforms’ message is simple: protect young people online, but do not leave them unprepared for the digital world they will enter.