Post by University of East London

With MPs reconsidering proposals to ban social media for under-16s, the national conversation around online safety is reaching a critical point. At the University of East London, Julia Davidson OBE and Prof. Mary Aiken PhD are among the experts helping to shape this debate. Their research shows that the issue isn’t just who can access social media, but how platforms are designed. Features such as algorithms, notifications and engagement loops can disproportionately impact younger users. They are proposing a more effective alternative to a blanket ban: → A three-tier model based on child development → A regulated “Teen Mode” for 13–15-year-olds → Stronger controls on persuasive design features As policymakers consider next steps, UEL’s research is helping to shift the focus from restricting access to regulating platform design. Institute for Connected Communities