On the Government's announcement of a social media ban for under 16s, York Steiner School Headteacher, Tracey Lucas said:
"We are all in favour of this ban, as we recognise the harm that social media is doing to children across the country and across the world."As a Steiner School we have long advocated for treasured childhoods, protecting a child's connection to the natural world by giving them the time and freedom to play, building their imagination and stronger social relationships."We believe that for the best start in life children should enjoy a tech free childhood. We are a smartphone free school and for decades have encouraged our parents to limit screen time with young children."We delay the use of technology, and yet see fantastic outcomes with many of our alumni going on to have successful careers in tech."
Our Class 10 students said:
"Government needs to find a balance between a ban that directly affects young people, and enforcing greater responsibilities to be upheld by big tech companies.“Children are often under pressure from peer groups to have social media included as part of their social lives and parents don't understand this or are afraid of it, so it causes lots of arguments."A social media ban won't work without the government also prioritising effective education and support for parents."