What happens when pupils cut back on social media?

Pupils taking part in the initial stages of a study examining the effects of reduced social media use have urged the government to rethink a complete ban and suggested time limits instead. Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has said under-16s would be barred from social media by spring 2027, describing it as the best way to keep them safe online. Pupils at Appleton Academy in Wyke, Bradford, said they had seen benefits from spending more time offline, but fear a ban could negatively impact friendships and revision. Prof Lisa Henderson from the University of York said the ban "sends a clear message to children on the harms" of social media, but that it was not "a silver bullet". The ban would apply to platforms including Snapchat, TikTok, YouTube, Instagram, Facebook and X, the government said. Ahead of the announcement, hundreds of schoolchildren have been taking part in the feasibility testing phase of a study to examine whether or not limiting social media use could improve the mental health of teenagers. About 4,000 children aged 12 to 15 are due to take part in the IRL (In Real Life) trial later this year and more than 200 pupils at Appleton Academy are involved in the initial res