The Government’s planned social media ban “is not a silver bullet”, says Mark Gilmore, policy advisor at the Evangelical Alliance.
Speaking to en, Gilmore stated: “The social media ban is not a silver bullet, and many young people will inevitably find ways around it. However, social media has caused significant harm to children’s wellbeing, relationships and safety, which is why we have consistently called for stronger regulation.”
Gilmore’s comment comes as the UK government announces it will ban social media for under-16-year-olds. Furthermore, “certain harmful features” on other online services like livestreaming and strangers contacting children will be restricted for under 18s, the guidance – from the Department for Science, Innovation & Technology – says.
The UK government ran a national consultation in spring 2026: “The results showed overwhelming public demand for action, with 9 in 10 parents backing a social media ban for under-16s, and two-thirds of young people agreeing under-16s should not be allowed to use at least some social media platforms.”
Gilmore – who has worked in both the House of Lords, the House of Commons, and as a parliamentary officer to the Christians in Parliament All-Party Parliamentary Group – said: “As Christians, we believe people are made for real relationships with God and one another, and social media too often displaces the face-to-face community that young people need to flourish. Ultimately, cultural change is needed.”
