‘Be stronger as a parent!’ Tech journalist rejects social media ban for children as ‘patent cobblers’

Technology journalist Will Guyatt has called on parents to “be stronger” with their children, rejecting a ban on social media for under-16s.

Speaking to GB News, the expert said that outlawing access would be “getting the government to do the dirty work for us”.

His remarks came as ministers prepare to impose new restrictions on social media use by under-16s.

A consultation on the proposals closed last month, with ministers expected to unveil their response this summer, potentially extending to an Australian-style blanket ban.

“We could do more to control our children's use of these devices, and that's not something that's happening at the moment,” Mr Guyatt said.

“There are definite risks to young people spending too long on social media, but banning it does not solve the problem. It pushes people to other places.

“So a ban stops those more sensible and sensitive conversations that parents should be having.

“My biggest fear is, and I'm a parent, that as a society, we have literally decided to get the government to do the dirty work for us,” he added.

The tech journalist also rubbished concerns that children of parents who do not allow phones could be bullied or peer pressured at school.

“That's really irresponsible of you to say that peer pressure isn't generated by a tech company,” Mr Guyatt told GB News’s Olivia Utley.

“It's generated by poor behaviour, and that's how that happens.

“To say peer pressure is a reason why the Government should be banning it is patent cobblers.

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“That's just an absolutely silly argument to discuss at this time of the day. Be stronger. As a parent. It's not easy, but you can do it.

“I've got an eight-year-old, and she's desperate to get a computer. She's desperate to get a smartphone. That is not going to happen.”

However, the tech journalist was more open to banning social media and devices like smartphones in schools.

“I would stop them from being used in class, but I'd use them in terms of technology and understanding the power and benefit you can get from it,” he said.