A student has gone viral after saying she’ll “stare at a wall” instead of her phone when UK’s under-16 social media ban goes into effect.
The teen, Isabella, was seen in a BBC News broadcast speaking to a journalist who asked her biggest worry regarding the ban.
“Not being able to contact my friends. I don't know what will happen and how it will happen, or whether there's some technicalities to what apps are restricted, but I use most of my social media to contact my parents and family,” Isabella explained.
When the reporter asked the girl what her screen time was over the weekend, Isabella responded, “Nine hours.” She was then asked what she would do to fill that time.
“Stare at a wall,” Isabella deadpanned.
UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer announced the social media ban on Monday, revealing that many apps, including Snapchat, TikTok, YouTube, Instagram, Facebook, and X, will no longer be accessible to children under 16.
YouTube Kids and messaging services like WhatsApp and Signal will still be available.
Starmer said that he is “not prepared to compromise on the safety and happiness of our children,” per NPR. He has two teenage kids.
"Every parent can see it with their own eyes. Social media is making children unhappy," he said. “I've heard firsthand from families crying out for change, and we will do right by them.”
The restriction will begin next spring and follows similar regulations in Australia, Canada, Brazil, and Indonesia.
