What Could the Social Media Ban for Under-16s Mean for Older People?

The UK Government has announced plans to introduce a ban on social media for children under the age of 16, with the aim of protecting young people from harmful online content, cyberbullying and excessive screen time. While the debate has understandably focused on children and parents, the changes could also have an unexpected impact on older people. 

At Age UK Cambridgeshire & Peterborough, we know that many older people use technology to stay connected with family, friends and their local community. So, what could these proposed changes mean for those aged 60 and over? 

Staying Connected 

For many grandparents, social media has become an easy way to keep up with grandchildren. Whether it's seeing photos of birthdays, school achievements or family holidays, these platforms help families stay connected, especially when they live far apart. 

If younger teenagers are no longer using these platforms, grandparents may find they receive fewer updates online. Instead, families may need to think about returning to sharing photos by messaging apps, email or through more regular phone and video calls. 

More Time Together Offline 

One of the potential benefits of reducing young people's time on social media is that families can hopefully spend more time together in person. 

If children and teenagers are spending less time scrolling through their phones, there may be more opportunities for family meals, visits to grandparents, board games, walks or shared hobbies. For many older people, particularly those who experience loneliness, these moments of connection can make a real difference. 

Peace of Mind 

Many grandparents worry about the online world their grandchildren are growing up in. Concerns about cyberbullying, harmful content, online scams and inappropriate contact are common. 

If the new rules help reduce these risks, older family members may feel more reassured that younger relatives are growing up in a safer online environment.  

Supporting Families 

Changes like these often bring new questions for families. 

Grandparents who help care for grandchildren may find themselves discussing online safety, helping children find alternative ways to communicate with friends or supporting parents as they adapt to new rules. 

For many families, this could become another opportunity for different generations to learn from one another. 

Technology continues to evolve quickly, and today's decisions about children's online lives may shape how future generations communicate. 

Whatever your views on the proposed ban, it is clear that this new rule will affect every generation not just the youngest users. Older people are increasingly active online, whether that's keeping in touch with loved ones, accessing services, volunteering or learning new skills. 

As conversations about online safety continue, it's important that older people's voices are included too.