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EE has warned that many young people plan to avoid the UK's coming social media ban by switching to services outside its scope, as Ofcom assesses age-checking methods before the restrictions take effect in March.
Research commissioned by the mobile and broadband provider found that 42% of 11- to 15-year-olds expect to dodge the ban by moving to apps not covered by the rules, including messaging services, gaming sites and lesser-known platforms. It also found that 44% have already discussed alternatives with friends.
The findings suggest a gap between awareness of the policy and likely behaviour ahead of the ban on social media services for under-16s. Under the government's plans, platforms including Snapchat, TikTok, YouTube, Instagram, Facebook and X will be barred from offering services to that age group, while messaging services such as WhatsApp and Signal are excluded.
Among adults, awareness appears limited. According to the research, fewer than half of parents, 44%, knew the ban is due to come into force in March.
Schools also expect pupils to look for ways around the rules. The survey found that 95% of teachers believe at least some of their pupils will find a workaround, while 49% said children in their classrooms are already distressed or upset about the incoming changes.
Bypass concerns
Jonny Bunt, Corporate Affairs Director at BT's Consumer Division, said Ofcom's work on age assurance was an important step, but families should not wait to discuss the impact of the ban and the risks linked to alternative services.
He said: "Ofcom's research offers the first clear look at how online platforms might reliably determine whether a user is aged 16 or over, and is a key milestone ahead of the under-16s ban coming into force in March. At the same time, we know young people are already swapping tips on how to bypass the new rules, and families who wait until next year to have important online safety conversations may be left playing catch-up."
The research also pointed to the social pressures behind potential workarounds. More than half of young people, 55%, said being on the same apps as their friends matters, while 32% said their friendships would suffer without access to those services.
Some parents appear willing to help their children maintain access. The survey found that 39% would help their child use social media if they believed the restrictions were harming them, and 34% shared their child's concern that the ban could damage friendships.
Rachel Huggins, Chief Executive Officer of Internet Matters, said the findings underlined the need to support families before the rules begin.
She said: "These findings highlight why it is so important to offer support to parents now, ahead of the social media ban coming into effect.
"Parents are the first port of call for children when they encounter issues online, yet children are looking to switch to platforms that parents may be less familiar with. These platforms may also present more risk of harm than those that are likely to fall within the scope of the ban, creating an even greater challenge for parents.
"It is vital to equip parents with the knowledge and tools to help keep their children safe online, and to do this in an accessible way. Internet Matters is pleased to support EE's in-store online safety sessions, making it easier for busy families to get practical help with parental controls and app settings, and to start conversations before the social media ban takes effect."
Family role
Bunt said parents should now prepare children for the practical effects of the restrictions and the temptation to seek out less regulated digital spaces.
He said: "The most important thing families can do now is prepare children for life online after the ban and highlight the risks of trying to dodge the restrictions. Having those conversations now and giving young people time to prepare for the changes in March will be crucial in helping them adapt to a significant change for a whole generation."
The issue goes beyond platform enforcement, as excluded services could become the next destination for teenagers who still want to stay in touch with peers online. That could shift usage towards spaces parents know less about, even though the new regime is intended to reduce exposure to bullying, harmful content and addictive feeds.
Bunt said the ban could still improve how children engage with digital services if a wider group of institutions plays a part.
He said: "The restrictions have the potential to change the way young people interact with the digital world for the better, but only if regulators, tech companies, families and educators come together to make it a success. There is still lots to be done to help young people thrive online, but this is a considered first step."