Would banning social media for under-16s protect our children, or simply drive their online lives further underground?
As debate around children's access to social media continues, Ellie Thompson welcomes Child and Educational Psychologist Dr Emily Crosby to the Parental Control podcast to look beyond the headlines and explore what social media is really doing to young minds.
With more than 13 years' experience supporting children, young people and their families across NHS, local authority and private practice settings, Dr Crosby explains why adolescence is such a critical period for identity, self-esteem and emotional development, and how constant exposure to unrealistic content and addictive platforms can affect everything from body image and attention to anxiety and low mood.
But is an outright ban the answer?
Ellie and Emily discuss whether children would simply find ways around restrictions, the danger of pushing social media use underground, and whether banning access could inadvertently make some online risks harder for parents to spot.
They also tackle the bigger questions: Should tech companies be doing more? Are parents being expected to shoulder too much responsibility? What happens to teenagers who rely on online communities for connection? And if social media is off limits until 16, what magically changes on their 16th birthday?
Most importantly, Dr Crosby shares practical advice for parents on creating healthier digital habits at home – whether a ban happens or not.
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Show notes
Instagram: @doctoremilyep
Website: dremilycrosby.com
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