Why Your Voice Matters
Across the UK, an important national conversation is underway. The government’s consultation, “Growing Up in the Online World,” invites the public to help shape how children and young people engage with digital technology in the years ahead. This is not simply a policy exercise—it is a moment that will influence the kind of childhood our young people experience, and the kind of society we become.
For churches, this is especially significant. We care deeply about the wellbeing, formation, and flourishing of children and families. This consultation offers an opportunity to bring those values into the public square.
What is the consultation about?
The consultation builds on the Online Safety Act 2023, which already introduced duties on technology companies to protect children from harmful content. However, the government is now asking whether further steps are needed in light of rapid technological change.
A particularly debated proposal is whether social media should be banned entirely for those under 16.
The consultation is open to everyone—parents, young people, churches, charities, and community groups—and runs until 26 May 2026.
Among the key questions being explored are:
– Should there be a minimum age for using social media?
– Should certain features—like infinite scrolling or autoplay—be restricted?
– Should the “digital age of consent” be raised above 13?
– How can age verification be made effective?
– Should there be limits on smartphone use in schools?
Understanding the legal background
Some of the current debates connect to longstanding legal questions about how society defines harmful or inappropriate content—especially for children.
1. The Hicklin Test
Originating in 19th-century English law, the Hicklin Test asks whether material has the tendency “to deprave and corrupt” those who are most vulnerable—particularly children. It focuses not on the average adult, but on those most at risk.
In today’s context, this raises questions such as:
- Should online content be judged by its potential impact on children rather than adults?
- Should platforms be required to remove material that could harm younger users, even if it is acceptable for adults?
2. The Aversion Test
More modern approaches sometimes look at whether material causes harm through exposure—particularly if it creates unhealthy psychological patterns, dependency, or distress. In debates about social media, this idea is often linked to concerns about addictive design, algorithmic influence, and mental health impacts.
While these tests are not always applied directly in current legislation, they help frame the central legal tension: How do we balance freedom of expression with the duty to protect the vulnerable?
The Online Safety Act 2023 reflects this balance by requiring platforms to reduce harm to children, while also raising concerns among some critics about freedom of speech and overreach.
The debate: Should under-16s be banned from social media?
This is one of the most widely discussed issues in the consultation.
Arguments in favour of a ban include:
– Protecting children from harmful content and online exploitation
– Reducing exposure to addictive platform design
– Supporting better sleep, mental health, and development
Arguments against a ban include:
– Risk of pushing young people onto less regulated platforms
– Loss of positive benefits (friendship, creativity, learning)
– Questions about enforceability and fairness
Even within Parliament, there is no consensus. A recent proposal for a ban was rejected by MPs, partly due to concerns about unintended consequences. The consultation is therefore not just asking what we think, but why – and how different approaches might affect children in real life.
What could churches contribute?
Church communities are uniquely placed to offer thoughtful, values-based responses. When considering how to respond, it may be helpful to reflect on questions like:
1. Human dignity and formation
- How does digital life shape identity, relationships, and self-worth?
- What kind of environment helps children grow into healthy, grounded adults?
2. Protection and responsibility
- Where should responsibility lie—parents, platforms, government, or young people themselves?
- Are current protections sufficient, or do they need strengthening?
3. Community and belonging
- What role does online community play compared to in-person relationships?
- How can we encourage healthier patterns of connection?
4. Wisdom and moderation
- Is a total ban the right approach, or would targeted safeguards be more effective?
- How do we encourage wise and responsible use of technology?
Church responses do not need to be technical or legalistic. Honest reflections grounded in lived experience – youth work, parenting, pastoral care – are deeply valuable.
How to take part
The government has made it easy to contribute. There are three main ways to respond:
- A full public consultation (open to anyone)
- A survey for parents and carers
- A survey for children and young people
You can take part through the official UK Government consultation website: https://www.gov.uk/government/consultations/growing-up-in-the-online-world-a-national-consultation
Responses can be individual or submitted on behalf of a church or group (e.g. Vacation Bible School, Children’s Sabbath School, Pathfinders and Adventurers). Furthermore, there is no requirement to answer every question in the survey – answer the questions that resonate with you.
A call to respond
As followers of Christ, we are called to seek the wellbeing of our communities and to be a voice for those who may not be heard. This consultation is an opportunity to do just that.
In her popular devotional book, My Life Today, Ellen G White counsels that those “who would not fall a prey to Satan’s devices must guard well the avenues of the soul: they must avoid reading, seeing, or hearing that which will suggest impure thoughts….. You will have to become a faithful sentinel over your eyes, ears, and all your senses, if you would control your mind and prevent vain and corrupt thoughts from staining your soul.”
The digital world is not going away. The question is what kind of digital world we want our children to grow up in. Whether you support stronger restrictions, oppose a ban, or are still discerning your view—your voice matters. Thoughtful, compassionate contributions can help shape policies that protect children while enabling them to flourish.
Let us take this opportunity seriously, prayerfully, and with hope.
Closing encouragement
Consider setting aside time—as individuals, families, or church groups—to reflect and respond together. Encourage young people in your community to share their perspectives as well.
The future of childhood in the digital age is being shaped now. This is our chance to help shape it well.
