Beckii Flint, the Director and Co-Founder of Pepper, recently appeared on BBC Radio 5 Live to share her insights on the potential government consultation next year regarding social media use for under-16s. This topic, which has sparked considerable debate, revolves around whether parents should provide explicit permission for their children to create accounts on platforms like TikTok and Facebook.

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Government's Stance

Technology minister Andrew Griffith, speaking on Nick Ferrari at Breakfast, labeled reports of the consultation as “speculation.” He emphasized that the current administration is not inclined to impose bans without substantial reason. This statement sets the tone for the government's approach towards internet regulation for young users.

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Current Social Media Policies

Platforms like TikTok, Facebook, YouTube, Instagram, and Snapchat require a minimum age of 13 for account creation. However, the lack of robust age verification mechanisms makes it easy for underage users to bypass these restrictions, raising concerns about their exposure to online content and interactions.

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Online Safety Bill

The recent enactment of the Online Safety Bill in November marks a significant step towards regulating online activities. Yet, questions remain about its efficacy in protecting younger demographics.

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Co-Founder of Pepper, Beckii Flint's Perspective

Flint discusses the need for a safer internet environment rather than isolating young users. She reflects on her school days, acknowledging the challenges of growing up with social media. Additionally, she emphasises the importance of both regulation and education. Flint argues for enhanced media literacy, including the ability to identify fake news and edited content. She believes that both children and their parents need education to navigate the vast and complex online world.

Flint comments on the integral role of the internet and social media in contemporary culture, noting its significance as a communication tool. She raises concerns about the long-term effects on the 'guinea pig generation' that has grown up with these technologies. Drawing from her upbringing in an isolated community on the Isle of Man, Flint shares how the internet served as a vital educational and cultural lifeline. However, she also acknowledges the negative aspects of early and unregulated internet exposure.

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Lucy Smith, Digital Safety CIC's Perspective

Smith relates her expertise at Digital Safety CIC to her own daughter's experience of being online from an early age. Making the decision to give up her smartphone, her daughter struggled with negative mental health consequences as a result of being online. Smith also reflects on heavy generational diversity in the workplace, as digital literacy for young people increases, there is much that older generations can learn from the keen skills of this generation.

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Beckii Flint's discussion on BBC Radio 5 Live brings to the forefront the complex issues surrounding social media use among under-16s. While the potential government consultation is a step towards addressing these concerns, Flint's insights highlight the necessity of a multi-faceted approach that includes safety, regulation, media literacy, and an understanding of the cultural impact of the internet on young lives. As society grapples with these challenges, Flint's perspective offers valuable guidance for navigating the ever-evolving digital landscape.

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The debate was aired on 17th December 2023, hosted by Connor Phillips of BBC Radio 5 Live.