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Spain announces plans to ban social media for under-16s
(www.bbc.com)
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this post was submitted on 04 Feb 2026
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Technology
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So fucking stupid, it's not going to get or keep anyone off of social media. They will just get pushed to shady sites that won't bother to comply or they will lie about their age.
I am asking in good faith, what is a more appropriate response?
I work in youth crisis support, and I can say that social media addiction is on par with methamphetamine. I used to be a tech startup guy & game developer, so I'm not naive to what you're saying either.
Hold the social media companies responsible for their toxic algorithms, treat the problem at the source for everyone not just children
Sorry but the proposed ways to approach the situation is akin to putting everyone in jail just to be sure, because a handful of people are criminals. I'm a parent myself, so I'm well aware of the dangers and difficulties. Guess what? Those dangers don't vanish when you hit 18. You'll just be even less prepared to identify fake ragebait content. Everyone needs to be educated on the matter so that parents can do a better parenting job. What's next? Banning sugar because mom and dad can't be arsed to explain to their children that cornflakes are a dessert treat and not a breakfast?
I asked for ideas, not a rant
No you didn't, you asked for an alternative response, which I provided: education instead of prohibition.
Isnt methamphetamine banned for all people, though?
Parent/guardian.
No, it's not. This is absurd.
I'm generally okay with a social media ban for children, as long as it doesn't come with extra surveillance as a result. You know, like how the US handled adult websites back before they got all Big Government about it.
With a little extra friction and with a little extra help for teachers and maybe social workers, it seems like a good idea.
Admittedly, I dont have the right answer. I feel it is undeniable that social media is a net negative for society. But I DO know what the wrong answer is, banning something never works. It seems instead to make it more popular.
If you want my opinion I can give you that. Keep in mind I am an idiot with a bleeding heart.
Societey is broken, social media is toxic because modern society is as well. People are considered stupid, pathetic, weak, or worse "woke" if they dare care for another. We need to teach empathy not censor websites.