Alarming levels of social media use in pre-school children

Former British education minister Lord Nash has raised concerns about the impact of social media on very young children, warning that hundreds of thousands of pre-schoolers are being exposed to content and algorithms designed for adult engagement.

According to a recent study by the Centre for Social Justice (CSJ), more than 800,000 children aged three to five in the UK are already active on social media platforms. This estimate uses the latest population data and builds on prior research from Ofcom, which found that nearly 40% of parents of children in this age group reported that their child uses at least one social media site or app.

With around 2.2 million children aged three to five in 2024, the CSJ estimates that approximately 814,000 of them are social media users. Lord Nash commented: "It is deeply worrying that so many children, who have not yet learned to read, are being exposed to adult-focused content and algorithms. This should alarm us all."

He emphasized the need for a national public health initiative to help parents understand the potential harms, as well as new legislation to raise the minimum age for social media use to 16, holding tech companies accountable if children access their platforms.

Lord Nash has previously advocated for stricter age restrictions on social media through the Childrens Wellbeing and Schools Bill. His concerns coincide with Australia introducing a pioneering law on December 10, requiring platforms to take reasonable measures to prevent under-16s from having accounts.

In the UK, campaigns continue to push for tighter rules around mobile phone use in schools. The government maintains that schools already have authority to ban phones and supports headteachers in taking steps to prevent disruption.

The CSJ also recommends banning smartphones in all schools to interrupt the 24-hour cycle of phone use, and calls for public awareness campaigns highlighting the risks associated with social media exposure for young children.

Health Secretary Wes Streeting recently expressed concern about leaving young people vulnerable online, citing the negative effects of continuous social media use on developing minds and cognitive growth.

Author: Sophia Brooks