Content creator Molly McDonald, founder of Blue Door Productions, says a ban here could stifle new talent
As Australia introduces a ban on social media use for under-16s and discussions intensify around a theoretical UK ban, industry expert Molly McDonald warns that such a policy would have far-reaching implications for the country’s rapidly growing creator economy.
Over the past decade, social media has evolved into a viable and highly attractive career path. Many of today’s most successful creators spanning entertainment, education, gaming, beauty, and entrepreneurship, began building their skills and audiences as teenagers.
McDonald said: “Last year, YouTube content creators alone contributed £2.2bn to the UK economy; as traditional jobs are replaced with automation and AI, new media is creating more viable career paths for young people.
“A ban could limit the early experimentation and digital literacy that sparks long-term careers, potentially reducing the number of homegrown creators able to compete on a global stage.”
Statistics show that YouTube is a primary source of consumption for audiences, with higher viewership than platforms like Netflix and Disney Plus.
McDonald added: “As audiences migrate from traditional media like television to new platforms, limiting young people’s access to creators that entertain and inspire them is just like limiting our generation’s access to our favourite presenters and characters.
Supporters of the ban argue that it could bring significant benefits. Advocates say it may reduce exposure to online harms, protect mental health, and encourage young people to develop offline social skills.
McDonald noted: “I want to make it clear that I’m not necessarily opposing the ban but want to draw attention to its wider implications on a rapidly growing industry.
“While the intentions behind an under-16s social media ban are understandable, young people also deserve the opportunity to learn, create, and participate online in a way that’s healthy and well-supported.”
As the debate continues, both policymakers and industry leaders recognise the need to balance safety with opportunity. McDonald argues that the outcome of this conversation could shape not only the well-being of young people but also the future pipeline of creative talent that fuels the UK’s digital economy.
Molly McDonald is a video producer specialising in YouTube content and the founder of Blue Door Productions. Molly has created content for major UK media like the BBC, some of the biggest consumer brands like Red Bull and social media personalities like Zac Alsop with over two million YouTube followers.