Many highlighted concerns about mental health, online safety, and parental responsibility.
This comes after the government announced plans to officially ban social media for under-16s.
Peter Chilvers, 80, a retired Tendring resident, said the issue was “very debatable,” but warned that young people are currently exposed to “too much” online content.
Peter Chilvers (Image: Newsquest Reporter)
“It’s very debatable because the kids have to learn to live with it when they leave school obviously as it’s a way of life now. But I think at the moment it’s all too much exposure. I think the proposal for the ban is a good idea, but it’s on the companies first to sort out what they show. It can definitely be harsh on the kid’s mental health. The companies should be the ones putting up restrictions.
Robert Tremaine (Image: Newsquest Reporter)
Robert Tremaine, 59, from Clacton also supported the idea of a ban. He said: “I definitely think this is a step in the right direction, how to enforce it will be another matter. When I was younger, there was nothing like this at all. The only social media I used was called Friends Reunited, which was basically the original way of reconnecting with schoolmates. But now, the trouble is that social media is far too powerful. It’s being used for bullying and all sorts of harmful things. There are so many kids suffering in silence. There was bullying when I was at school too — being called names, having your hair pulled, things like that — but not to the extent of what’s happening now. The online abuse is relentless. Kids are taking their own lives now. That never used to happen.”
Ilze Gutmane (Image: Newsquest Reporter)
Ilze Gutmane, a 33-year-old Clacton mother, said she would support a ban for her own child. She said: “I would say yes, I support the ban because I grew up without social media, and it was fine. I think it would stop a lot of bullying and a lot of other problems. I think it’s a good decision. I know those who are 16 and under probably don’t think so, but yes, I support it. For my child, I would want that, to be honest. I’m speaking from that perspective, and I would definitely support it.”
Catherine Hart (Image: Newsquest Reporter)
Catherine Hart, 80, said the issue was as much about parenting as it is about technology.
“It’s got to happen,” she said. You’ve got to think about the youngsters. People say they’re going to do this or that, but nothing really changes.
“There are so many children struggling now—more than ever before. You only have to look at the present day to see what’s going on.
“Sometimes it is also down to the parents. The thing is, I’m old-fashioned. In our day, we were told what to do because we didn’t know any different, and we listened.
“Today, a lot of children seem to be allowed to do whatever they want. Many parents don’t make proper boundaries — they don’t monitor what their children are doing, don’t set routines, and don’t always take responsibility.
“It’s not just the children’s fault. Parents should take responsibility as well. Children need guidance, structure, and support.”
Alfred Cole (Image: Newsquest Reporter)
Alfred Cole, 78, said: “I don’t think it’s right for young children to have unrestricted access to the internet.
“When we were growing up, we didn’t have social media, and in many ways, things were better. Life was simpler back then.
“We didn’t rely on screens or social media the way people do now. I also think a lot of it comes down to parenting. Parents should take responsibility and make sure children are being guided properly. So yes, I support banning social media for under-16s.”
Amber Daniel (Image: Newsquest Reporter)
Amber Daniel, 28, a former school worker from Manningtree, said she had seen the impact of social media first-hand.
She said: “I think having it restricted, or even banned, isn’t a bad thing. There’s so much drama and negativity on social media, and you hear all these stories about children who have taken their own lives because of bullying online.
“I used to work in a school, and the amount of issues caused by phones and social media was significant — even things happening outside school would spill into the classroom.
So I think restricting it, or removing it entirely for younger users, would probably be a good thing. It causes too many problems.”
