Social media and mobile phone attitudes
Social media ban
Over 7 in 10 UK parents support a social media ban for under 16s
Opinium’s latest research reveals that the majority of UK adults (66%), especially parents (72%) support an Australian style social media ban in the UK for under 16s. This Australian ban, which took effect in December 2025, prevents under 16s from using ten social media platforms including Instagram and Tik Tok. While the majority of 25–34-year-olds are also in favour (66%), this drops to only half of 18–24-year-olds (51%). Support amongst females was also slightly higher than males (69% and 65%).
The most common reasons given for supporting the ban were reducing online harm caused to young people (69%) and improvements to young people’s mental health (66%). Compared to non-parents, parents showed more concern for the effects on young people’s screen time and childhood development.
When opposers of the social media ban were asked why they disagreed, excessive government control was selected by almost half (49%), followed by difficulties in enforcement (42%), demonstrating key concerns with liberty and execution.
Mobile phone usage
Over a quarter of UK adults feel children should not bring their phones into school
Meanwhile, mobile phone policies have long been a contentious issue in schools. The government have recently announced a statutory ban on mobile phone use (in April 2026), a step up from their previous non-statutory recommendation that schools should be “mobile phone-free environments.”
In our survey of UK adults, conducted before this ban, we found broad support for limiting phone use in schools. Over a quarter (26%) feel that students should not bring phones into school at all. This rises to 29% of men compared to only 23% of women. Only 5% agree that phones should be used to support learning.
Most popular is a bring-no-use policy where students can bring, but are barred from using their device throughout the school day. Over two-thirds (35%) support this, rising to 41% amongst women and 39% amongst parents. In particular, Baby Boomer parents were most supportive (44%).
Across generations, millennial parents demonstrate more relaxed views. 3 in 10 support children being able to use their phones at break/ lunch, compared to 21% of Gen X parents and only 14% of Baby Boomer parents. One in 10 Millennial parents also support the use of phones during lessons, compared to only 4% of Gen X parents.
Our research reveals a protective attitude across generations towards young people and their use of social media and mobile phones in schools. These results are timely amidst the government’s public consultation on a social media ban for young people and the new mobile phone guidance in schools. It’s crucial that we continue to invite parents into the conversation on policies affecting young people to ensure caregivers have their voices heard.
For more insights with impact, get in touch with Marissa Razak (marissarazak@opinium.com).
