Teachers urge UK government to ban social media for under-16s over school behaviour crisis

Teachers in the UK are calling for a nationwide ban on social media for children under 16, warning that online platforms are fuelling a growing behaviour crisis in schools.

The National Association of Schoolmasters and Union of Women Teachers (NASUWT), the country’s largest teaching union, says social media is now one of the main causes of poor classroom behaviour, student disengagement, and rising mental health problems. The union is urging the government to introduce primary legislation similar to Australia’s under-16 social media ban.

NASUWT wants legally enforced age-verification systems that would require tech companies to stop children from accessing harmful platforms. Teachers argue that current safeguards are failing, exposing pupils to violent and sexually explicit content and increasing anxiety among young people.

The union’s campaign places pressure on Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson to strengthen school behaviour guidance and develop tougher online safety policies. The call follows reports of extremely young children bringing knives into schools, which teachers say reflects wider social and behavioural breakdowns.

NASUWT General Secretary Matt Wrack said teachers face the consequences of a digital environment that was never designed for children. He added that social media companies have repeatedly failed to act responsibly without legal pressure and warned that urgent action is needed to protect children’s mental health and safety.

A recent NASUWT survey found that 59 per cent of teachers believe social media is the main driver of poor behaviour in schools. Another poll of 300 union members showed nearly 89 per cent support a statutory ban like Australia’s.

Australia became the first country to introduce a nationwide under-16 social media ban in December, with fines of up to £25 million for companies that break the rules. However, the policy has faced early challenges, as some teenagers quickly found ways to bypass age-verification systems.

Despite these issues, Labour is closely watching Australia’s experience as debate grows in the UK over whether a similar ban could help restore discipline and focus in classrooms.