Musician Casey Lowery's Shocking Call: Ban Social Media for Kids Under 16—Here's Why You Must Know!

In a bold move that could reshape the landscape of social media usage among minors, musician Casey Lowery has voiced his support for a proposal to ban social media access for those under 16 in the UK. Lowery, who has successfully amassed over 5 million followers across platforms like TikTok (3.8 million) and Instagram (1.3 million), acknowledges the dual-edged nature of these platforms, which he credits for propelling his career while also recognizing their addictive qualities.

Your typical social media influencer, Lowery has used these channels to promote his music and comedy, describing them as vital tools for free marketing. “It’s the only free marketing you can do,” he stated, highlighting the significant role social media plays in the modern entertainment landscape. His initial foray into social media began at age 15, but he found his footing in 2022 through humorous musical reactions to trending TikTok videos. Some of his posts have garnered staggering view counts, including 54.8 million views on one video alone.

Lowery's endorsement of a social media ban for the under-16 demographic follows a recent consultation launched by the UK government. This initiative aims to explore measures intended to protect young people's wellbeing and is partly inspired by Australia's recent decision to implement the world's first social media ban for minors, which took effect in December 2025. Despite the positive aspects of social media—such as enhanced connectivity and access to information—Lowery expressed concern about its potential negative impact on young minds. He pointed out, “I just don’t think they need to be on social media at all. Why would an under-16-year-old need to be on social media?”

The debate surrounding this proposal is multifaceted. While over 60 Members of Parliament, including Labour representatives and Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch, have expressed support for a ban, various child welfare organizations believe such measures may not be the most effective route. The NSPCC, Childnet, and the Molly Rose Foundation are among 42 organizations cautioning against a ban, arguing it could be a "wrong solution" to the challenges posed by social media.

In response to mounting concerns regarding youth safety online, England’s Technology Secretary Liz Kendall has announced a swift consultation process to evaluate the safety of children on social media. This consultation will not only gauge public opinion on a potential ban but will also investigate the feasibility of implementing more robust age verification measures and curbing features that promote compulsive use.

As part of a broader strategy, England's education inspectorate, Ofsted, has started issuing stricter guidelines aimed at reducing phone usage in schools, underscoring a growing recognition of the need to manage young people's screen time responsibly.

This ongoing dialogue about social media and its impact on youth raises essential questions about the balance between protecting minors and allowing them to navigate digital spaces. As platforms evolve and the user landscape shifts, the discussions initiated by influencers like Lowery may pave the way for significant regulatory changes, shaping how future generations interact with social media.