Lawyer suggests social media ban may help with parental conflicts

A family lawyer has suggested that the ban on social media use among those under 16 could help to reduce conflicts between separated parents.

This ban is due to become law next March and now an expert in family law has pointed out some potential benefits. Anita Hennessey from HCR Law said it could take away one of the most frequent causes of disagreement between parents who are separated. She pointed out that family law courts may also take the ban into account when ruling on such disagreements.

One separated parent having a more relaxed attitude than the other to their child’s social media use is something separation solicitors in North Wales and England encounter all the time. However, from March 2027, it will no longer be solely for the parents to decide. When the ban becomes law, those under 16 will not be able to access YouTube, X, BlueSky, Instagram or TikTok.

It will be the social media companies who are responsible for enforcing it though, not the parents. Hennessey told Today’s Family Lawyer that this will help to prevent situations where one parent is seen as the hardliner:

“When the ban is introduced, a parent trying to enforce those boundaries is likely to be in a much stronger position if the issue arises as part of a child arrangements dispute.”

She added that the ban would clarify the issue legally for parents.

At Bennett Smith Solicitors, separation disputes are among our specialist areas. Contact our family law solicitors in North Wales now to discuss options.