I research the harm that can come to teenagers on social media. I don’t support a ban

By Emily Setty, Associate Professor in Criminology, University of Surrey

The UK government has launched a consultation on introducing an Australian-style ban on social media for under-16s. The proposal is framed as a bold response to rising concerns about young people’s mental health, online abuse and exposure to harmful content.

At first glance, a ban sounds straightforward: keep children away from platforms that can cause harm. But as someone who has spent years researching young people’s digital lives, relationships and wellbeing, I believe that a blanket ban risks…

Read complete article

~	Syria: Human rights and international law must guide next steps in north-east Syria

~	Snow is vital for the Pyrenees – and it’s disappearing fast

~	The only thing limiting Taylor Swift’s popularity is partisan polarization

~	Federal immigration enforcement near schools disrupts attendance, traumatizes students and damages their academic performance

~	America’s next big clean energy resource could come from coal mine pollution – if we can agree on who owns it

~	Despite its steep environmental costs, AI might also help save the planet

~	Why ‘unwinding’ with screens may be making us more stressed – here’s what to try instead

~	Antibiotic resistance could undo a century of medical progress – but four advances are changing the story

~	Filming ICE is legal but exposes you to digital tracking – here’s how to minimize the risk

~	From ancient Rome to today, war-makers have talked constantly about peace