#under-16-social-media-ban — Public Fediverse posts
Live and recent posts from across the Fediverse tagged #under-16-social-media-ban, aggregated by home.social.
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SCHOOL PHONES: First Minister rules out Wales-wide ban as Plaid Cymru leaves decision to individual schools — with Swansea parents already debating the issue
There will be no Wales-wide ban on mobile phones in schools — with First Minister Rhun ap Iorwerth saying his new Plaid Cymru Welsh Government will instead “empower schools” to make their own decisions on whether and how to restrict phone use during the school day.
The position, set out by the First Minister at the Urdd Eisteddfod on Anglesey on Tuesday and first reported by BBC Wales, marks a clear divergence from England — where the UK Government is preparing to pass a law requiring schools to be free of smartphones throughout the school day.
Decision rests with individual schools and governing bodies
In Wales, the decision to ban or restrict mobile phones for pupils remains a matter for individual schools and their governing bodies. The Welsh Government will not require schools to act, and there is no suggestion that direction will change.
That means parents in Swansea, Carmarthenshire, Neath Port Talbot and Pembrokeshire may find different phone rules at different schools — with some local schools and headteachers already having moved to restrict or ban phones, and others taking different approaches.
The First Minister told BBC Wales he wanted his government to “facilitate schools to take the decisions that they feel are right to protect children and young people.”
“I don’t think of it in terms of a ban, I think about it as action on a number of different fronts,” Mr ap Iorwerth said.
“We will empower schools and school leaders to make decisions that they feel is right for pupils. Many schools and school leaders have already taken those measures.”
Plaid manifesto promise
Plaid Cymru’s manifesto for the May 2026 Senedd election had committed to “empower local authorities to promote students’ safety, learning and wellbeing through restricting the use of smartphones in schools for under-16s” — working with councils and school leaders to deliver this “in a practical and proportionate way, with appropriate exemptions where necessary.”
Tuesday’s comments confirm that the route Plaid will take is empowerment of schools rather than legal compulsion — leaving the decision firmly with local headteachers and governing bodies.
Action on social media “needs to be taken”
The First Minister was speaking as a UK Government consultation on the impact of social media on children under 16 closes — with UK Technology Secretary Liz Kendall pledging new measures for under-16s in England by the end of 2026.
While ruling out a phone ban in schools, Mr ap Iorwerth said action on under-16s’ use of social media “needs to be taken” and signalled the Welsh Government would follow the evidence in deciding how to respond.
“The evidence is getting stronger and stronger,” he said. “When you have evidence suggesting to you that the use of social media by children and young people can be as harmful as smoking tobacco, you take that very, very seriously.
“I am clear that action needs to be taken. It’s important though that it’s evidence based.”
Live issue in Swansea
The First Minister’s comments come amid intense local debate over children’s social media use in Swansea, where last month a packed public meeting heard parents, teachers and residents share concerns about technology and children.
Swansea West MP Torsten Bell, who convened the meeting at the city’s Guildhall, told attendees the issue had generated more letters to his office than any other policy issue this year.
Mr Bell himself posted on Facebook on Tuesday afternoon — within an hour of the First Minister’s comments at the Urdd Eisteddfod — urging Swansea constituents to use the final day of the UK Government consultation to “have your say” on protecting children online.
“Children’s use of social media is the top issue constituents in Swansea have written to me about this year so far,” he wrote. “Today is the last opportunity to tell the UK Government what you think should be done to protect kids growing up in the online world.” He included a link to his constituency survey at torstenbell.org/social-media-debate.
The Welsh Government’s position therefore lands in a constituency where parental concern about children, phones and social media has already been articulated publicly — and where there is no single, consistent approach from local schools.
Welsh Conservatives: ‘Plaid must go further’
The First Minister’s position has drawn criticism from the Welsh Conservatives, who say Plaid Cymru must commit to stronger action to protect children in Wales.
Welsh Conservative Shadow Minister for Education, Families and Constitution Sam Rowlands MS said experts continue to warn about the harms of social media for children, with some comparing its impact to smoking.
“While the UK Government is acting on the damages that social media causes, the First Minister in Wales is dithering on restricting social media for under-16s and has ruled out a Wales-wide ban on mobile phones in schools,” Mr Rowlands said.
“The Welsh Conservatives say Plaid Cymru must go further and commit to stronger action to protect under-16s in Wales.”
What it means for parents in south-west Wales
For families in Swansea, Carmarthenshire, Neath Port Talbot and Pembrokeshire, the practical effect of the First Minister’s position is that nothing changes from a Welsh Government level — with phone policy continuing to vary school by school.
Some local schools have already introduced “no phones during the school day” policies or banned mobile devices from classrooms entirely. Others allow phones to be carried on the basis they remain switched off or out of sight. Parents wanting to know the position at their child’s school will need to ask the school directly.
Related stories from Swansea Bay News
SWANSEA: ‘Technology has transformed childhood in ways we’re only beginning to understand’ — packed public meeting hears parents’ fears about social media
Our May 2026 coverage of the Swansea Guildhall public meeting on social media and children.SWANSEA: MP calls emergency public meeting on social media ban for under-16s
#PlaidCymru #RhunApIorwerthMS #SamRowlandsMS #socialMedia #socialMediaBan #TorstenBell #under16SocialMediaBan #WelshConservatives #WelshGovernment
Our April 2026 piece on Torsten Bell convening parents and educators on the social media question. -
SWANSEA: ‘Technology has transformed childhood in ways we’re only beginning to understand’ — packed public meeting hears parents’ fears about social media and their kids
It is the issue that has filled Torsten Bell’s postbag more than any other this year — and when he opened up a public meeting on children’s social media use in Swansea this week, it was standing room only.
Parents spoke of children glued to screens for hours on end. Teachers described what they see on the frontline every day. Charity leaders raised the mounting evidence on mental health. And beneath it all ran a question that nobody has yet managed to answer satisfactorily: if the government bans under-16s from social media, can it actually be enforced?
The meeting, held on Thursday 14 May, was organised by the Swansea West MP to feed local voices into the UK Government’s Online Safety Act consultation on protecting children online — including proposals to restrict social media use for under-16s. Bell had called the meeting in April after his office was inundated with correspondence from constituents worried about the issue.
The consultation — launched by the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology — is examining a range of potential measures. These include requiring social media platforms to do far more to verify the ages of users, potential restrictions on under-16s accessing platforms entirely, and tougher rules on how AI chatbots and gaming platforms interact with children.
Residents at Thursday’s meeting heard first from a panel of expert speakers — researchers, campaigners and people who deal with the consequences of children’s social media use in their work every day.
The data presented at the meeting made for uncomfortable reading. According to the Children’s Commissioner for Wales and Ofcom, one in five children in Wales spends more than seven hours a day on a screen — and most children aged between three and five already have their own social media profile.
A slide presented at the meeting showing that one in five children in Wales spend more than seven hours a day on a screen, and that most children aged three to five already have their own social media profile. (Image: Torsten Bell MP)The audience then shared their own experiences, and the room was not of one mind. There were parents who want action now, convinced that social media is damaging their children’s wellbeing and mental health. There were others who questioned whether an age limit could be meaningfully policed — and whether it might drive young people further underground online rather than protecting them.
Bell said the quality of the debate had struck him. “This public debate showed just how deeply people in Swansea care about this issue,” he said. “Parents, teachers and young people themselves all recognise that technology has transformed childhood in ways we are only beginning to understand.”
He added that the issue felt personal as well as political. “Many of us do already know how much we’d have missed out on as a teenager if the time and attention sink of social media had got in the way,” he said.
The concerns raised in Swansea are not new — and not unique to the city. A Bridgend school warned last year that pupils could face expulsion over abusive TikTok posts. Research published on Safer Internet Day found that half of parents had never spoken to their children about harmful online content. And more than 60 Labour MPs have now backed calls for a ban — among them local MPs Tonia Antoniazzi and Henry Tufnell.
The political pressure on the government to act is growing. Australia introduced a full ban on social media for under-16s last year, becoming the first country in the world to do so, and the move sparked intense debate in Westminster about whether the UK should follow suit.
But critics of an outright ban — including some who spoke at Thursday’s meeting — argue that determined teenagers will simply find workarounds, and that the real answer lies in better platform regulation and education rather than blanket restrictions that may prove unenforceable.
The panel invites questions from the floor during Torsten Bell MP’s public meeting on children’s social media use at Swansea’s Guildhall. (Image: Torsten Bell MP)What is not in dispute is the scale of the problem. The Llanelli MP’s office has described parents being shocked to discover their children had secret online identities — building up lives in apps their parents had never heard of, talking to strangers, and consuming content far removed from what they had been allowed to access at home.
Bell urged everyone who could not make Thursday’s meeting to respond to the consultation directly before the deadline. “The experiences and differing views everyone shared will be fed directly into the Government’s consultation,” he said.
“For anyone that couldn’t make it along, there is still time to have your voice heard — please do fill in the survey on my website and ensure the UK Government has heard your views before decisions about further action are taken,” he added.
The consultation closes on 26 May. Responses can be submitted via Torsten Bell’s website at torsten-bell.com.
Related stories from Swansea Bay News
SWANSEA: MP calls emergency public meeting on social media ban for under-16s
Why Torsten Bell called the meeting — and why the issue tops his postbag.Bridgend school warns pupils could face expulsion over abusive TikTok posts
The real-world consequences of children’s social media use in our schools.Tonia Antoniazzi and Henry Tufnell among 60 Labour MPs to back social media ban for under-16s
#OnlineSafetyAct #socialMedia #socialMediaBan #TorstenBell #under16SocialMediaBan
The growing political pressure on the government to act. -
SWANSEA: MP calls emergency public meeting on social media ban for under-16s — and says the issue tops his postbag
Swansea West MP Torsten Bell has called an emergency public meeting to discuss whether children under 16 should be banned from social media, as the UK Government’s landmark consultation on protecting young people online enters its final weeks.
The meeting will be held from 7pm to 8.30pm on Thursday 14 May at Swansea’s Guildhall, and is open to parents, children and community members from across the city. Those wishing to attend have been asked to reserve a seat by emailing [email protected] with their name and postcode, as significant interest is expected.
The event will be one of the last opportunities for people in Swansea to feed into the national debate before the UK Government’s consultation closes on Friday 26 May. Attendees can expect to hear from community leaders, campaigners and teachers, and will have the chance to share their own experiences and concerns about children’s online safety.
The social media ban debate has generated more correspondence to Bell’s office than any other policy issue since the start of 2026, with nearly a quarter of all policy-related letters and emails focusing on the subject — a striking measure of how deeply the issue is resonating with families across Swansea West.
Bell said: “As a father to young children, I am deeply concerned about the impact of social media and delighted that the UK Government is taking the issue so seriously. Many of us know how much we’d have missed out on as a teenager if the time and attention sink of social media had got in the way.”
He added: “No issue is more important than the safety of our children. As the consensus grows that more needs to be done, I’m hosting this meeting to make sure people in Swansea have their voice heard and are at the forefront of shaping what happens next.”
The Government’s consultation — which has dedicated versions for young people and for parents and carers — is exploring a range of potential measures beyond an outright ban. These include whether platforms should be forced to switch off addictive features such as infinite scrolling and autoplay, and whether mandatory overnight curfews on social media use could help children get better sleep.
The idea of an Australia-style ban on under-16s using social media has attracted growing cross-party support at Westminster. As Swansea Bay News has previously reported, more than 60 Labour MPs — including Gower’s Tonia Antoniazzi and Mid and South Pembrokeshire’s Henry Tufnell — have already backed calls for such a ban.
In Llanelli, Dame Nia Griffith has urged families to respond to the consultation, saying she would personally support a ban but that any legislation would need to be carefully thought through and enforceable. She described the issue as one of the defining challenges facing parents today.
The concerns are not abstract. In Bridgend, one school warned pupils could face expulsion over abusive TikTok posts. And experts have cautioned that many parents remain completely unaware of the hidden meanings behind popular emojis routinely used by young people to discuss drugs, self-harm and other sensitive topics in plain sight.
Research published on Safer Internet Day earlier this year found that half of parents in Britain had never had a single conversation with their child about harmful online content — even though most 11-year-olds now own a smartphone. The findings helped galvanise support for tougher government action.
The consultation is exploring not just whether to ban under-16s from social media entirely, but a broader package of protections. Among the measures under consideration are requirements for platforms to make safety settings more prominent, limits on the data companies can collect from young users, and stronger age verification requirements.
Whether any measures ultimately become law will depend in part on the responses gathered during the consultation period — which is why Bell’s meeting at the Guildhall on 14 May represents a genuine opportunity for Swansea residents to influence the outcome, not just observe it.
For Bell, who has spoken openly about his concerns as a parent, the issue cuts through the usual political divides. The volume of correspondence his office has received suggests many of his constituents feel the same way — and that the question of when, and whether, to hand a child a smartphone has become one of the most contested parenting decisions of the current generation.
The UK Government’s consultation is open to all at gov.uk and closes on 26 May. Those wishing to attend Bell’s Guildhall meeting on 14 May should email [email protected] with their name and postcode to reserve a place.
Related stories from Swansea Bay News
Should under-16s be banned from social media? Llanelli MP’s urgent plea as parents warned of kids’ secret online lives
Dame Nia Griffith MP urges Llanelli families to have their say on the UK Government’s landmark consultation.Tonia Antoniazzi and Henry Tufnell among 60 Labour MPs to back call for banning social media for under-16s
Growing cross-party support at Westminster for an Australia-style social media ban for children.Half of parents have never spoken to their kids about harmful content as calls grow to ban social media for under-16s
Stark findings published on Safer Internet Day as the debate over children’s online safety intensifies.Bridgend school warns pupils could face expulsion over abusive TikTok posts
#Guildhall #onlineSafety #socialMedia #socialMediaBan #Swansea #SwanseaWest #TorstenBell #TorstenBellMP #under16SocialMediaBan
One local school’s response to the growing problem of harmful social media content among young people. -
https://www.europesays.com/people/24738/ UK PM Keir Starmer ‘warns’ Instagram, TikTok and other social media platforms over ‘problematic’ features: ‘They need to…’ #ChildOnlineSafety #Instagram #KeirStarmer #SocialMediaAddiction #TikTok #UKPrimeMinisterKeirStarmer #Under16SocialMediaBan
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Under [insert age here] social media bans are vile in two major ways. These ways are as follows:
1. They bar young people from digital life. Stunting their digital literacy.
2. They force adults to go through privacy invasive age verification to avoid losing access to their accounts.
#Privacy #FreeSpeech #Censorship #DigitalRights #Internet #SocialMedia #AgeVerification #Under16SocialMediaBan #Under15SocialMediaBan #UK #UnitedKingdom
RE: https://mastodon.social/users/eff/statuses/116308334510742517 -
Under [insert age here] social media bans are vile in two major ways. These ways are as follows:
1. They bar young people from digital life. Stunting their digital literacy.
2. They force adults to go through privacy invasive age verification to avoid losing access to their accounts.
#Privacy #FreeSpeech #Censorship #DigitalRights #Internet #SocialMedia #AgeVerification #Under16SocialMediaBan #Under15SocialMediaBan #UK #UnitedKingdom
RE: https://mastodon.social/users/eff/statuses/116308334510742517 -
Under [insert age here] social media bans are vile in two major ways. These ways are as follows:
1. They bar young people from digital life. Stunting their digital literacy.
2. They force adults to go through privacy invasive age verification to avoid losing access to their accounts.
#Privacy #FreeSpeech #Censorship #DigitalRights #Internet #SocialMedia #AgeVerification #Under16SocialMediaBan #Under15SocialMediaBan #UK #UnitedKingdom
RE: https://mastodon.social/users/eff/statuses/116308334510742517 -
Under [insert age here] social media bans are vile in two major ways. These ways are as follows:
1. They bar young people from digital life. Stunting their digital literacy.
2. They force adults to go through privacy invasive age verification to avoid losing access to their accounts.
#Privacy #FreeSpeech #Censorship #DigitalRights #Internet #SocialMedia #AgeVerification #Under16SocialMediaBan #Under15SocialMediaBan #UK #UnitedKingdom
RE: https://mastodon.social/users/eff/statuses/116308334510742517 -
Under [insert age here] social media bans are vile in two major ways. These ways are as follows:
1. They bar young people from digital life. Stunting their digital literacy.
2. They force adults to go through privacy invasive age verification to avoid losing access to their accounts.
#Privacy #FreeSpeech #Censorship #DigitalRights #Internet #SocialMedia #AgeVerification #Under16SocialMediaBan #Under15SocialMediaBan #UK #UnitedKingdom
RE: https://mastodon.social/users/eff/statuses/116308334510742517 -
Bridgend school warns pupils could face expulsion over abusive TikTok posts
The warning was issued by Ryan Davies, headteacher of Brynteg School, in a letter sent to parents and carers this week.
Mr Davies said the posts used images taken inside the school without permission and described many of the videos as “deeply upsetting, abusive, unkind and entirely untrue.”
Police contacted
The headteacher confirmed the posts had been reported to both TikTok and the police.
He warned that if the person responsible is identified, they could face severe consequences.
In the letter he wrote:
“If the originator is identified, the seriousness of these posts means that permanent exclusion is a possible outcome.”
Posting harmful or defamatory material online could also amount to harassment, defamation or malicious communications under UK law, he added.
Account deletes videos
The TikTok account believed to be linked to the posts has since removed all of its videos.
However, the account page still displays a message saying: “the videos have to be deleted im sorry but i will have a comeback and it will be 10 videos per day but not anytime soon.”
Its profile description also appears to challenge anyone reporting the account, stating: “snitch if u want they wont catch me 😂✌️ ifb | i take requests for teachers and students.”
“Cowardly behaviour”
In his letter, Mr Davies criticised the person behind the posts for attempting to remain anonymous online.
He wrote:
“What is particularly troubling is that the individual responsible appears to be taking pleasure in remaining anonymous, boasting that they ‘won’t be caught’. This behaviour is cowardly and has no place in our school community.”
Pupils who shared posts could face consequences
Although the creator of the videos has not yet been identified, the school said it can see the names of pupils who have liked, commented on or encouraged the content.
Those students could also face disciplinary action under the school’s behaviour policy.
Parents urged to check social media
Parents have now been urged to check their children’s social media activity and discuss the seriousness of the situation.
Mr Davies said:
“If they know who is responsible, the most honourable and responsible action is to ensure the posts are removed immediately and to inform the school.”
He added that while social media can be positive and creative, the posts circulating in this case were “offensive, harmful and completely unacceptable.”
Growing concern about children’s online lives
The incident comes amid growing national concern about how social media is affecting young people.
Earlier this month, Swansea Bay News reported how Llanelli MP Nia Griffith backed calls for tougher rules on children using social media, warning many parents are unaware of what their children are doing online.
Separate research highlighted on Safer Internet Day also revealed a stark gap in parental awareness. A government-backed campaign found half of British parents have NEVER spoken to their children about harmful online content, even though most 11-year-olds now own a smartphone and regularly use social media.
The findings warned that many parents simply do not know what their children are seeing on their screens.
Experts say regular conversations between parents and children about online behaviour are one of the most effective ways to reduce risks such as cyberbullying, harmful content and online harassment.
The headteacher’s letter in full
Letter sent to parents by Brynteg School headteacher Ryan Davies warning pupils could face permanent exclusion over abusive TikTok posts.Related stories from Swansea Bay News
Should under‑16s be banned from social media?
A Llanelli MP warns parents about the hidden online worlds children are navigating.Half of parents have never spoken to kids about harmful content
New figures spark fresh calls for an under‑16s social media ban.60 Labour MPs back call to ban social media for under‑16s
A growing political push puts pressure on platforms and ministers.Experts warn of hidden meanings behind popular emojis
A reminder that what kids send online isn’t always what adults think it means.More social media stories
#Bridgend #BryntegSchool #BryntegTikTokAccount #CarmarthenshireSchools #educationEducationNews #RyanDaviesHeadteacher #schoolNews #schoolSocialMediaControversy #socialMedia #socialMediaBan #TikTok #TikTokSchoolPosts #under16SocialMediaBan
The latest updates on online safety, digital culture and tech trends. -
Should under-16s be banned from social media? Llanelli MP’s urgent plea as parents warned of kids’ secret online lives
The UK Government has launched a major consultation to gather views on how to protect children from the ever-growing risks of social media, AI chatbots, and gaming platforms.
It comes as the debate rages over whether to introduce an Australia-style ban on under-16s using the platforms, a move already backed by a cross-party group of more than 60 MPs, including Gower’s Tonia Antoniazzi and Mid and South Pembrokeshire’s Henry Tufnell.
The consultation will explore a number of significant potential changes, including whether platforms should be forced to switch off addictive features like infinite scrolling and autoplay, and whether mandatory overnight curfews for social media use would help children sleep better.
The move follows stark warnings on Safer Internet Day that half of parents in Britain have never had a single conversation with their child about harmful online content — even though most 11-year-olds now own a smartphone.
Experts have also warned that many parents are completely unaware of the hidden meanings behind popular emojis, which are increasingly used by young people to discuss everything from drugs and sex to self-harm and bullying.
Llanelli MP Dame Nia Griffith with Technology Secretary Liz Kendall. (Image: Office of Nia Griffith MP)Now, Dame Nia Griffith has issued a direct plea to families in Llanelli to make their voices heard, saying keeping children safe online is one of the major challenges of our time.
“Parents across Llanelli worry about what social media is doing to their children’s sleep, concentration and mental health. They are grappling with how much screen time their children should have, when they should give them a phone, what they are seeing online, and the impact all of this is having. They worry about AI, and about their children talking to chatbots as if they’re real people.
“I very much want to see us do much more to protect under-16s from social media, with its very powerful algorithms and increasingly disturbing content, and I would certainly support a ban on under-16s using social media. But, like any legislation, it needs to be carefully thought through, and enforceable.
“The UK Labour Government is determined to act, and I want people in Llanelli to help shape what that looks like.”
Technology Secretary Liz Kendall, who met with Dame Nia to discuss the consultation, said the Government was determined to act on the evidence gathered.
“The path to a good life is a great childhood, one full of love, learning and play. That applies just as much to the online world as it does to the real one.
“We know parents everywhere are grappling with how much screen time their children should have, when they should give them a phone, what they are seeing online, and the impact all of this is having.”
The three-month consultation is open to everyone, with dedicated versions available for young people and for parents and carers. It can be found at gov.uk and will close on 26 May.
#DameNiaGriffithMP #HenryTufnell #Labour #Llanelli #NiaGriffith #onlineSafety #socialMedia #socialMediaBan #ToniaAntoniazzi #UKGovernment #under16SocialMediaBan -
Safer Internet Day: Half of parents have NEVER spoken to their kids about harmful content as calls grow to ban social media for under‑16s
That’s the stark warning being issued on Safer Internet Day, as the Government and online safety experts urge parents to “wake up” to what their children are really seeing on their screens — and to start talking before the damage is done.
Ministers have launched a new campaign, You Won’t Know Until You Ask, after research revealed that while most parents think they understand the online world, a quarter admit they have no idea what their child is actually looking at.
Technology Secretary Liz Kendall said too many children are being left to face toxic content alone.
“Parents tell us they’re worried about what their children see online — and they’re right to be. Harmful content is reaching children younger and faster than ever before. We want to give parents the confidence to start these conversations, even when they feel awkward or difficult.”
She said the campaign is designed to help parents “cut through the noise” and give children the space to talk openly about what they’re seeing.
The Government’s new You Won’t Know Until You Ask campaign urges parents to talk openly with their children about what they’re seeing online.“This isn’t about spying on children,” she added. “It’s about helping them make sense of a world that can be overwhelming, confusing and sometimes dangerous.”
‘Parents don’t know what their kids are seeing’
The Government says the problem isn’t just what children search for — it’s what social media algorithms push at them. From body‑shaming and rage‑bait to misogynistic influencers and violent clips, harmful content can appear without warning.
The new guidance encourages parents to ask simple, open questions such as “How does this post make you feel?” or “Why do you think someone shared this?” — gentle prompts that help children think critically about what they’re scrolling through.
Officials say these conversations are crucial, because children are far more likely to speak up when something feels wrong if the door is already open.
Experts warn of hidden codes and secret slang
Online safety organisations say parents also need to be alert to the fast‑growing “hidden language” young people use to disguise what they’re talking about.
Safeguarding specialists warn that emojis and abbreviations are increasingly being used to hide bullying, drug references, sexual messages and extremist content — often in plain sight.
Dr Richard Anderson, from High Speed Training, said adults are often completely unaware of what these symbols really mean.
“What looks like a harmless emoji could actually be concealing racist remarks, drug‑related discussions, sexual propositions or cyber bullying. The double meanings give children plausible deniability, which makes it even harder for adults to spot danger early.”
What these emojis REALLY mean
Incel terms
🔴 / 💊 – Refers to the “red pill”, taken from The Matrix. To have “taken the red pill” means believing you’ve realised the “truth” about women and society, often linked to misogynistic ideology.
🔵 – The “blue pill”, meaning someone who is unaware of this so‑called “truth”.
⚫ – The “black pill”, an extreme, nihilistic belief that an incel’s lack of sexual success is predetermined and cannot be changed.
💥 / 🧨 – An “exploding red pill”, used to identify someone as an incel.
💯 – Linked to the “80/20 rule”, a belief that 80% of women are attracted to only 20% of men.
🫘 – Used to identify or self‑identify as an incel.Potentially bullying or threatening emojis
❄ – Calling someone overly sensitive or easily offended (“snowflake”).
🧢 – Suggesting someone is lying (“cap”).
🐍 – Calling someone untrustworthy or a “back‑stabber”.
👊 or 🤕👉🤕 or 👊👉🚑 – Threats of physical violence.
👻 – Being “ghosted” — ignored or dumped without explanation.
💉 or 🤔🔫 or 💊🛀💀 or 🛤🚶💀 – Emojis that can signify self‑harm or suicidal ideation.Drug references
🥦 / 🌳 / 🍁 / 💨 / 🎱 – Marijuana, cannabis or weed.
❄ / 🥥 / ⛄ / 🤧 / 🔑 – Cocaine.
🔌 – A drug dealer.Sexual references
🔨 / 👉👌 / 👉🌭 / 👉🌮 – Sex or sexual activity.
🥵 / 🔥 – “Hot”, in a sexual sense.
🌶 / 😵 – Inappropriate or “spicy” content; seeing something X‑rated.
✂ – Lesbian.
🍑 / 🚚 – Buttocks.
🌮 / 🍉 / 🍯 / 🌷 / 🍩 – Female genitalia.
🍌 / 🍆 / 🌽 – Penis.
🍒 / 🐫 / 🍻 – Breasts.
🍒 – Virginity.
👅 / 👄 / 🧠 / 🍭 – Oral sex.
🍑 🍆 – Anal sex.
💦 / 🎤 – Orgasm or ejaculation.
🎤🙆♀️ – Female orgasm.
✊ 💦 / 👋 – Masturbation.
🍝 – “Nudes” — nude or semi‑nude photographs.
🌽 – Pornography.Text abbreviations to watch for
Incel terms: AWALT (“all women are like that”), ER (Elliot Rodger; “doing an ER” refers to following his violent example), LDAR (“lay down and rot”).
Bullying/threats: 182 (“I hate you”), GTFO, IDGAF, KYS, STFU.
Self‑harm: KMS (“kill myself”).
Drugs: 420 (cannabis).
Sexual references: 53X (sex), 9/CD9/Code 9 (parents nearby), 99 (parents gone), ASL (age/sex/location), BJ, CU46, DPW, DTF, F2F, PRON (porn), S2R (“send to receive”), WYLL (“what do you look like?”).Political pressure builds for an under‑16s social media ban
The warnings come as Westminster faces a major political fight over whether children should be allowed on social media at all.
Last month, the House of Lords voted 261 to 150 to support a ban on under‑16s using major platforms — a move backed by Conservative, Liberal Democrat and crossbench peers, as well as some Labour peers.
Supporters say teenage social media use has become a “societal catastrophe”, linking it to mental health problems, online radicalisation and classroom disruption. More than 60 Conservative MPs and a growing number of Labour MPs have publicly backed the idea, following similar moves in Australia.
But charities including the NSPCC warn a blanket ban could push children onto even more dangerous, unregulated sites. Labour has also said it won’t support the Lords’ amendment, calling the issue “extremely complex”.
The Government is now running a three‑month consultation looking at a possible ban, overnight curfews, tougher age checks and measures to curb “doom‑scrolling”.
What parents should do today
Ministers and safety experts say the most important step parents can take is simply to start talking — today, not tomorrow.
They say parents should explore apps with their children, stay calm and curious rather than confrontational, and make it normal for children to talk about things that upset or confuse them.
NSPCC: Six tips for healthier online habits
1. Make screen time meaningful
Talk about how your child uses their devices and help them balance online time with offline activities. Create screen‑free zones and use wellbeing tools on apps to encourage breaks.2. Help them handle the negative
Explore safety settings together so they know how to mute, block or report harmful content. Encourage them to follow accounts that make them feel good and step away from anything that doesn’t.3. Remind them that seeing isn’t believing
Talk about filters, edited images and the “highlight reel” nature of social media. Help them question what they see and how it makes them feel.4. Let them learn from mistakes
If they slip up online, stay calm. Regular conversations build trust and help children bounce back from challenges.5. Be the role model
Children copy what adults do. Show healthy habits by taking breaks, avoiding negative content and keeping your own online behaviour positive and open.6. Keep the conversation going
Choose relaxed moments to talk about their online life. Give them space to think and speak without judgement so they feel safe coming to you.Parents can find full guidance at kidsonlinesafety.campaign.gov.uk.
#emoji #emojiHiddenLanguage #LizKendallMP #parenting #SaferInternetDay #socialMedia #UKGovernment #under16SocialMediaBan -
UK Government announces consultation on under 16’s social media ban https://www.3dcandy.social/2026/01/uk-government-announces-consultation-on-under-16s-social-media-ban/ #3dcandy #3dcsocial #meta #socialmedia #socialmediaban #under16socialmediaban
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UK Government announces consultation on under 16’s social media ban https://www.3dcandy.social/2026/01/uk-government-announces-consultation-on-under-16s-social-media-ban/ #3dcandy #3dcsocial #meta #socialmedia #socialmediaban #under16socialmediaban
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UK Government announces consultation on under 16’s social media ban https://www.3dcandy.social/2026/01/uk-government-announces-consultation-on-under-16s-social-media-ban/ #3dcandy #3dcsocial #meta #socialmedia #socialmediaban #under16socialmediaban
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UK Government announces consultation on under 16’s social media ban https://www.3dcandy.social/2026/01/uk-government-announces-consultation-on-under-16s-social-media-ban/ #3dcandy #3dcsocial #meta #socialmedia #socialmediaban #under16socialmediaban
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UK Government announces consultation on under 16’s social media ban https://www.3dcandy.social/2026/01/uk-government-announces-consultation-on-under-16s-social-media-ban/ #3dcandy #3dcsocial #meta #socialmedia #socialmediaban #under16socialmediaban
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How Indonesia Can Shape the Global Internet https://www.byteseu.com/1647847/ #AustraliaOnlineSafetyAmendment #ChildMentalHealthAndSocialMedia #Geopolitics #GeopoliticsOfChildhood #IndonesiaSocialMediaPolicy #InstagramAgeLimit #OnlineHarmsToChildren #SocialMediaAgeRestrictions #TechRegulationAsiaPacific #Under16SocialMediaBan
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Just had to complete my 1st age verification test under the new AU laws. Biometric based.
Now let's wait for even more of my PII to leak.
Not happy. I would have preferred to use myGov app and Trust Exchange (except it's not working yet) instead of handing more PII to another foreign commercial org.
(Yes, I know I can't trust Gov either, but lesser of two evils?)
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Just had to complete my 1st age verification test under the new AU laws. Biometric based.
Now let's wait for even more of my PII to leak.
Not happy. I would have preferred to use myGov app and Trust Exchange (except it's not working yet) instead of handing more PII to another foreign commercial org.
(Yes, I know I can't trust Gov either, but lesser of two evils?)
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Just had to complete my 1st age verification test under the new AU laws. Biometric based.
Now let's wait for even more of my PII to leak.
Not happy. I would have preferred to use myGov app and Trust Exchange (except it's not working yet) instead of handing more PII to another foreign commercial org.
(Yes, I know I can't trust Gov either, but lesser of two evils?)
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Just had to complete my 1st age verification test under the new AU laws. Biometric based.
Now let's wait for even more of my PII to leak.
Not happy. I would have preferred to use myGov app and Trust Exchange (except it's not working yet) instead of handing more PII to another foreign commercial org.
(Yes, I know I can't trust Gov either, but lesser of two evils?)
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Just had to complete my 1st age verification test under the new AU laws. Biometric based.
Now let's wait for even more of my PII to leak.
Not happy. I would have preferred to use myGov app and Trust Exchange (except it's not working yet) instead of handing more PII to another foreign commercial org.
(Yes, I know I can't trust Gov either, but lesser of two evils?)
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The sad state of Australian government today: tinkering and faking. #auspol #australia #socialmediaban #under16socialmediaban https://youtu.be/ZxRB5qWphJE?si=RNqKt0SskKAN57Ic
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The sad state of Australian government today: tinkering and faking. #auspol #australia #socialmediaban #under16socialmediaban https://youtu.be/ZxRB5qWphJE?si=RNqKt0SskKAN57Ic
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The sad state of Australian government today: tinkering and faking. #auspol #australia #socialmediaban #under16socialmediaban https://youtu.be/ZxRB5qWphJE?si=RNqKt0SskKAN57Ic
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Australian Labor Government:
Social media predatory algorithms: BAN!
Gambling predatory algorithms: Personal Responsibility™
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Australian Labor Government:
Social media predatory algorithms: BAN!
Gambling predatory algorithms: Personal Responsibility™
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Australian Labor Government:
Social media predatory algorithms: BAN!
Gambling predatory algorithms: Personal Responsibility™
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Australian Labor Government:
Social media predatory algorithms: BAN!
Gambling predatory algorithms: Personal Responsibility™
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Australian Labor Government:
Social media predatory algorithms: BAN!
Gambling predatory algorithms: Personal Responsibility™
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I can't be the only Millennial parent pissing myself laughing at the headline "What is Roblox" as if none of us has ever been on the internet or watched our kids play it
#Roblox #SocialMediaBan #parenting #Under16SocialMediaBan
What is Roblox and should parents be worried about whether it’s safe for children?
https://www.theguardian.com/media/2025/nov/08/what-is-roblox-is-it-safe-healthy-for-children -
I can't be the only Millennial parent pissing myself laughing at the headline "What is Roblox" as if none of us has ever been on the internet or watched our kids play it
#Roblox #SocialMediaBan #parenting #Under16SocialMediaBan
What is Roblox and should parents be worried about whether it’s safe for children?
https://www.theguardian.com/media/2025/nov/08/what-is-roblox-is-it-safe-healthy-for-children -
I can't be the only Millennial parent pissing myself laughing at the headline "What is Roblox" as if none of us has ever been on the internet or watched our kids play it
#Roblox #SocialMediaBan #parenting #Under16SocialMediaBan
What is Roblox and should parents be worried about whether it’s safe for children?
https://www.theguardian.com/media/2025/nov/08/what-is-roblox-is-it-safe-healthy-for-children -
I can't be the only Millennial parent pissing myself laughing at the headline "What is Roblox" as if none of us has ever been on the internet or watched our kids play it
#Roblox #SocialMediaBan #parenting #Under16SocialMediaBan
What is Roblox and should parents be worried about whether it’s safe for children?
https://www.theguardian.com/media/2025/nov/08/what-is-roblox-is-it-safe-healthy-for-children -
So I guess they're going ahead with this nonsense. Does anyone know if the under 16s social media ban covers Australian fediverse servers like this one?
https://www.sbs.com.au/news/article/what-to-know-about-under-16s-social-media-ban/cunrckq5u
#auspol #under16socialmediaban #SocialMediaBan #digitalsurveillance #surveillance #austodon
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So I guess they're going ahead with this nonsense. Does anyone know if the under 16s social media ban covers Australian fediverse servers like this one?
https://www.sbs.com.au/news/article/what-to-know-about-under-16s-social-media-ban/cunrckq5u
#auspol #under16socialmediaban #SocialMediaBan #digitalsurveillance #surveillance #austodon
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So I guess they're going ahead with this nonsense. Does anyone know if the under 16s social media ban covers Australian fediverse servers like this one?
https://www.sbs.com.au/news/article/what-to-know-about-under-16s-social-media-ban/cunrckq5u
#auspol #under16socialmediaban #SocialMediaBan #digitalsurveillance #surveillance #austodon
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So I guess they're going ahead with this nonsense. Does anyone know if the under 16s social media ban covers Australian fediverse servers like this one?
https://www.sbs.com.au/news/article/what-to-know-about-under-16s-social-media-ban/cunrckq5u
#auspol #under16socialmediaban #SocialMediaBan #digitalsurveillance #surveillance #austodon
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So I guess they're going ahead with this nonsense. Does anyone know if the under 16s social media ban covers Australian fediverse servers like this one?
https://www.sbs.com.au/news/article/what-to-know-about-under-16s-social-media-ban/cunrckq5u
#auspol #under16socialmediaban #SocialMediaBan #digitalsurveillance #surveillance #austodon
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"higher daily hours spent on YouTube is associated with greater symptoms of depression"
If depressed people watch #YouTube , then banning it means kids can't get depressed anymore right?
#eSafety commissioner really reaching to justify these bans
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"higher daily hours spent on YouTube is associated with greater symptoms of depression"
If depressed people watch #YouTube , then banning it means kids can't get depressed anymore right?
#eSafety commissioner really reaching to justify these bans
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"higher daily hours spent on YouTube is associated with greater symptoms of depression"
If depressed people watch #YouTube , then banning it means kids can't get depressed anymore right?
#eSafety commissioner really reaching to justify these bans
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"higher daily hours spent on YouTube is associated with greater symptoms of depression"
If depressed people watch #YouTube , then banning it means kids can't get depressed anymore right?
#eSafety commissioner really reaching to justify these bans
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"higher daily hours spent on YouTube is associated with greater symptoms of depression"
If depressed people watch #YouTube , then banning it means kids can't get depressed anymore right?
#eSafety commissioner really reaching to justify these bans
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@daedalus @catnip my guess is this'll be used to justify that 'people are cool with this' even though it has nothing to do with the actual effectiveness of #ageAssurance let alone considering how it'll almost certainly be abused by #bigTech and the gov
#under16socialMediaBan #socialMediaBan -
@daedalus @catnip my guess is this'll be used to justify that 'people are cool with this' even though it has nothing to do with the actual effectiveness of #ageAssurance let alone considering how it'll almost certainly be abused by #bigTech and the gov
#under16socialMediaBan #socialMediaBan -
@daedalus @catnip my guess is this'll be used to justify that 'people are cool with this' even though it has nothing to do with the actual effectiveness of #ageAssurance let alone considering how it'll almost certainly be abused by #bigTech and the gov
#under16socialMediaBan #socialMediaBan -
@daedalus @catnip my guess is this'll be used to justify that 'people are cool with this' even though it has nothing to do with the actual effectiveness of #ageAssurance let alone considering how it'll almost certainly be abused by #bigTech and the gov
#under16socialMediaBan #socialMediaBan -
@daedalus @catnip my guess is this'll be used to justify that 'people are cool with this' even though it has nothing to do with the actual effectiveness of #ageAssurance let alone considering how it'll almost certainly be abused by #bigTech and the gov
#under16socialMediaBan #socialMediaBan -
The aus gov's #under16socialMediaBan is less than 8 months away, and they currently have no suitable method to implement it. Current methods include: 'AI' age recognition from hand movements (???), and requiring everyone to confirm their age via a google login
We are putting the company with the most #privacy violations in history, as the ones in charge of storing IDs and deciding who can access *any* social media?
#fuckGoogle #ausPol #youth #freeCommunication -
The aus gov's #under16socialMediaBan is less than 8 months away, and they currently have no suitable method to implement it. Current methods include: 'AI' age recognition from hand movements (???), and requiring everyone to confirm their age via a google login
We are putting the company with the most #privacy violations in history, as the ones in charge of storing IDs and deciding who can access *any* social media?
#fuckGoogle #ausPol #youth #freeCommunication -
#AusPol #FediMeta #SocialMedia #SocialMediaBan #Under16SocialMediaBan #Under16SocialMedia #Privacy #DigitalRights #DataSecurity #Fedi
What does Australia’s social media ban for under 16s mean for smaller platforms, especially small to medium sized instances on the Fedi? I would like to hear opinions from as many people as possible and from not just Australians so please boost. -
#AusPol #FediMeta #SocialMedia #SocialMediaBan #Under16SocialMediaBan #Under16SocialMedia #Privacy #DigitalRights #DataSecurity #Fedi
What does Australia’s social media ban for under 16s mean for smaller platforms, especially small to medium sized instances on the Fedi? I would like to hear opinions from as many people as possible and from not just Australians so please boost. -
#AusPol #FediMeta #SocialMedia #SocialMediaBan #Under16SocialMediaBan #Under16SocialMedia #Privacy #DigitalRights #DataSecurity #Fedi
What does Australia’s social media ban for under 16s mean for smaller platforms, especially small to medium sized instances on the Fedi? I would like to hear opinions from as many people as possible and from not just Australians so please boost. -
#AusPol #FediMeta #SocialMedia #SocialMediaBan #Under16SocialMediaBan #Under16SocialMedia #Privacy #DigitalRights #DataSecurity #Fedi
What does Australia’s social media ban for under 16s mean for smaller platforms, especially small to medium sized instances on the Fedi? I would like to hear opinions from as many people as possible and from not just Australians so please boost. -
#AusPol #FediMeta #SocialMedia #SocialMediaBan #Under16SocialMediaBan #Under16SocialMedia #Privacy #DigitalRights #DataSecurity #Fedi
What does Australia’s social media ban for under 16s mean for smaller platforms, especially small to medium sized instances on the Fedi? I would like to hear opinions from as many people as possible and from not just Australians so please boost. -
@anteagle Does that therefore mean that mastodon will not be targeted? The legislation doesn't exclude the fediverse... but we are perhaps not the target. This will be 'interesting'. #auspol #under16socialmediaban #socialmediaban