‘Social media should be treated like tobacco’: health experts say the internet is just as bad as smoking for under-16s as UK government edges closer to introducing ban
Health experts in the UK have likened social media use to smoking, emphasizing its detrimental effects on children under 16, as the government approaches the conclusion of its consultation on a potential ban. This comparison highlights growing concerns about the mental health implications of social media for young users.
WPN Brief
- What Happened
Health experts in the UK have likened social media use to smoking, emphasizing its detrimental effects on children under 16, as the government approaches the conclusion of its consultation on a potential ban. This comparison highlights growing concerns about the mental health implications of social media for young users.
- Why It Matters
The UK government's consideration of a ban reflects increasing pressure from health professionals and public sentiment regarding the need for stricter regulations to protect minors from online harms.
- The Bigger Picture
This development is part of a broader global discourse on the regulation of social media, with various countries exploring measures to safeguard young users, amidst ongoing debates about balancing access and safety in the digital age.