Governments worldwide are debating whether to ban social media for teens, but is prohibition really the answer? WebPurify’s latest report, The Teen Social Media Dilemma: What is the Line Between Protection and Participation?, brings together leading experts to explore the complexities of this issue. The discussion goes beyond simple bans, unpacking alternative strategies that balance safety and participation.
Our expert panel includes Tracy Elizabeth (former TikTok safety lead), Niall Breslin (bestselling author and mental health advocate), Natasha Ahmed-Walsh (youth digital engagement specialist), Elili Flore (a 15-year-old student offering a firsthand teen perspective), and Ailís Daly (Head of Trust & Safety, EMEA at WebPurify).
“The worst thing that people can try to do is find a perfect solution that doesn’t exist. We’re ultimately just trying our best to find the least worst options, and that can actually be a really powerful uniting position to take on these really complex matters.”Ailís Daly Head of Trust & Safety, EMEA
In our new report you’ll learn:
- Why banning social media for teens is a flawed solution – Explore the unintended consequences of prohibition and why history shows that outright bans often fail.
- The challenges of enforcing age restrictions online – Learn why keeping teens off social platforms is nearly impossible and how bans might push them toward unregulated, riskier spaces.
- The real impact of social media on teen mental health – Understand the complex relationship between digital platforms, anxiety, and wellbeing, with insights from experts.
- A teen’s perspective on the debate – Hear firsthand from a 15-year-old about how social media affects their life and what they think of proposed bans.
- Alternative solutions to protect young users – Discover evidence-based strategies, including stronger platform safeguards, digital literacy education, and co-regulation approaches.
- The role of parents, educators, and policymakers – Learn how adults can guide teens toward safer digital habits without resorting to ineffective bans.
- The future of social media for young people – Explore what a more balanced, youth-friendly online landscape could look like.