Social media 'is vital', say Welsh teens arguing against a ban

A group of teenagers have argued against proposed new restrictions on their online lives, claiming they "need social media to survive". The 13 and 14-year-olds at Morriston Comprehensive School in Swansea did not want a social media ban for under-16s but acknowledged some problems. "It's easier for older people to say get rid of it because they had a childhood without it - we've grown up with it," said Ruby, 14. But their headteacher is among many school leaders who responded with the opposite view when BBC Wales asked for their opinions. She said "massive mental health issues" caused by social media and exposure to "things that they're really not ready for" left schools to "pick up the pieces". Karen Williams added: "I think that we need to be brave and say that social media has a real detrimental effect on our young people and that we should have that ban." A UK government consultation on whether to set a minimum age for social media ends on Tuesday, with ministers also considering other measures including requiring platforms to switch off addictive features. The Welsh government said it was "committed to doing all we can to protect children and young people from the harmful impa