Waldorf UK welcomes the Government's proposed social media ban but says it's crucial children develop the skills they need before going on digital media.
15 Jun 2026
Responding to the Prime Minister's announcement today Waldorf UK, welcomed the Government's move to ban social media but called on ministers to take a broader look at how children and young people are prepared for life in a digital world.
The organisation says that while stronger protections are needed, evidence suggests that restrictions alone may not be enough. Children also need the maturity, resilience and critical understanding required to navigate technology safely, confidently and responsibly before accessing the virtual world - and that is something which develops over time starting in early childhood.
Steiner Waldorf schools have long taken a developmentally-informed approach to digital technology. Personal digital devices, including mobile phones, are not used throughout early years and primary education. Instead, children are encouraged to engage directly first with the real world through hands-on play, creativity, practical activity, project work, storytelling, outdoor learning, artistic work and face-to-face relationships. This builds confidence, a sense of self and the start of being able to judge situations and make choices.
From secondary school onwards, technology is introduced gradually and safely in age-appropriate ways, with an emphasis on understanding how digital technologies work, developing critical awareness, and becoming conscious, creative users and makers of technology rather than passive or unconscious consumers.
Fran Russell, Executive Director of Waldorf UK, said:
"A social media ban may be necessary, but our experience tells us it would not be sufficient.
"The Government is right to send out this strong message recognising the growing concerns surrounding children's use of social media and the impact it can have on wellbeing, sleep, attention, mental health and safety.
"But the bigger challenge is helping young people develop the skills and maturity needed to engage confidently and responsibly with technology throughout their lives.
"Young people need digital skills and technological understanding, but we believe children benefit from first developing strong foundations in creativity, critical thinking, self-regulation, social confidence and real-world experience before entering highly persuasive digital environments."
Waldorf UK is calling for a wider national conversation about children's relationship with technology, including social media, smartphones, AI systems and digital media more generally.
The organisation is urging policymakers to adopt a staged, developmentally-informed approach that combines appropriate safeguards with education that helps children and young people become thoughtful, independent and responsible users of technology.
Research and experience from Steiner Waldorf schools suggest that delaying children's immersion in digital media can support concentration, creativity, emotional wellbeing and social development while still enabling young people to go on to thrive in higher education and technology-rich careers.
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