Momentum Calls For National Social Media Ban For Children Under 16

Marking UNESCO’s International Day Against Violence and Bullying at School, including Cyberbullying, the political party Momentum has renewed its call for stronger protections for children online, including a nationwide ban on social media use for those under 16.

Here‘s What They‘re Proposing:

Promote digital well-being through age-appropriate tech use and family-led literacy.

Support a social media ban for under-16s, citing global links to anxiety, depression, and cyberbullying.

Work with schools and parents to build healthy online habits and real-world connections.

Empower students to use technology ethically and responsibly.

Set screen-free zones and times, encouraging offline play, hobbies, and balance.

Educate parents and children on online risks, privacy, and critical thinking.

The initiative, announced under this year’s theme “Screen Smart: Learning to be Safe in the Digital Era,” seeks to promote what the party describes as a “culture of safety, respect and digital wellbeing.”

Momentum argues that early exposure to social media can have damaging effects on young people’s mental health, and says a ban would help restore balance in children’s lives by prioritising learning, play and real-world relationships over “digital dependency.”

“Our children deserve the chance to grow, play and learn free from online pressure, comparison and harm,” said Natasha Azzopardi, an executive member of Momentum.

“This is not about restricting freedom, it’s about giving childhood back to our children. Social media can wait; childhood cannot.”

The party is urging a national discussion on responsible technology use, encouraging collaboration between families, schools and policymakers to foster healthy online habits.

Ms Azzopardi described the proposal as “an act of hope,” saying it aims to protect children from online harm while promoting empathy, resilience and a balanced approach to digital life.

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