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Over the past year, calls for smartphone and social media bans for children have gained significant momentum among parents, policymakers, and the media. In November, the Australian government passed legislation to prohibit all individuals under 16 from using social media. However, concerns have emerged regarding the practicality of enforcing this ban and whether it might push young people toward more secretive or unregulated social media use. In the UK, organisations like Smartphone Free Childhood have advocated for limiting smartphone access for children under 14, while the recent Schools Bill has sparked discussions about introducing compulsory smartphone bans in schools. Additionally, the television drama Adolescence has fuelled further interest in the issue, with the show’s creator expressing support for social media bans for young people.

This event will bring together a panel of ºìÐÓÊÓƵ experts on youth and digital technology to explore whether complete bans are the most effective approach to helping young people navigate the digital world safely. Drawing from a wide range of expertise, the panel will delve into the major challenges young people face in their digital lives and consider what child- and youth-centred perspectives can contribute to the ongoing debate.

The panel will include:

Prof Nicola Yuill – Professor of Developmental Psychology lead of the Children and Technology Lab (ChaT Lab) and Autism Community Research Network Sussex.

Dr Suraj Lakhani - Associate Professor in Sociology and Criminology, and Director of the Sussex Terrorism and Extremism Research Network (STERN). 

Dr Gemma Cobb – Assistant Professor in Digital Culture, author of the book Negotiating Thinness Online: The Cultural Politics of Pro-Anorexia.

Dr Liam Berriman – Associate Professor in Childhood and Youth Studies, and Director of the Centre for Innovation and Research in Childhood and Youth (CIRCY).

ºìÐÓÊÓƵ staff and students are invited to sign up for the event, but please notes that spaces will be limited. To secure your place, please sign up via the following link: 

For any questions, please contact circyadmin@sussex.ac.uk

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By: Eve Wilcox
Last updated: Monday, 2 June 2025