No rush to ban social media for the under-16s in Guernsey

Friday, 30 January 2026 06:50

Guernsey's top politician and mother-of-four believes there should not be a knee-jerk response to a global push to ban youngsters from social media.

Australia became the first country to ban under-16s from social media in December 2025.

The move prompted other countries, including the UK, France and Jersey, to consider similar restrictions on platforms such as Facebook, TikTok, X and Snapchat.

Read: Jersey Ministers back principle of social media 'restrictions' for under 16s

Island FM spoke to Guernsey’s Head of Policy and Resources, and mother-of-four, deputy Lindsay de Sausmarez, to ask whether Guernsey is considering doing the same.

She said although reducing digital harm is important, Guernsey should wait and see how other countries respond.

"We always like to watch and learn from other jurisdictions, especially when it’s something new and innovative.

"Either way, it will be very instructive for us here in Guernsey to understand what works well, what doesn’t work, and what unseen consequences might arise."

She says that, as a parent, she sees both the positives and the risks of children using social media.

"We’re all really, really aware of the risks of social media, and some of the harms attached to that, but actually some of the things I experienced with my own kids is that it also enables them to be more independent, make their own arrangements, and it can be a very positive thing.

"I think what everyone will be keen to focus on is how to minimise the harm without curtailing some of the benefits."