A UK student named Isabella has gone viral after her reaction to the country’s planned social media ban for anyone under 16. The moment came during a BBC News interview where she was asked how she felt about losing access to popular apps under the new rules.
When asked about her biggest concern, Isabella said her main worry was staying connected with friends and family. She explained that social media is one of her main ways of communicating daily, and she was unsure how the restrictions would work in practice or what exactly would be blocked.
“Not being able to contact my friends. I don't know what will happen and how it will happen, or whether there's some technicalities to what apps are restricted, but I use most of my social media to contact my parents and family,” Isabella explained.
The interviewer then asked her about her screen time over the weekend, to which she admitted it was around nine hours per day. When asked what she would do instead once the ban takes effect, her response quickly caught attention online.
“Stare at a wall,” Isabella deadpanned.
Her reaction has since been widely shared on social media, with many users commenting on how it reflects how deeply digital platforms are embedded in teenage daily life.
The proposed ban was announced by UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer on Monday. Under the policy, major platforms including TikTok, Snapchat, Instagram, Facebook, X, and YouTube would be restricted for users under 16.
However, some services will remain accessible. YouTube Kids and messaging apps like WhatsApp and Signal will still be allowed under the new framework.
Starmer said the decision is aimed at protecting young people’s mental health and well-being, stressing that safety comes before convenience.
“Every parent can see it with their own eyes. Social media is making children unhappy,” he said. “I've heard firsthand from families crying out for change, and we will do right by them.”
The policy is set to take effect next spring and follows similar youth social media restrictions already introduced in countries such as Australia, Canada, Brazil, and Indonesia.
