Parenting / 26 August, 2026 / Ellie Thompson
Would banning social media for under-16s protect our children, or simply drive their online lives further underground?
As debate around children’s access to social media continues, Ellie Thompson welcomes Child and Educational Psychologist Dr Emily Crosby to the Parental Control podcast to look beyond the headlines and explore what social media is really doing to young minds.
With more than 13 years’ experience supporting children, young people and their families across NHS, local authority and private practice settings, Dr Crosby explains why adolescence is such a critical period for identity, self-esteem and emotional development, and how constant exposure to unrealistic content and addictive platforms can affect everything from body image and attention to anxiety and low mood.
But is an outright ban the answer?
Ellie and Emily discuss whether children would simply find ways around restrictions, the danger of pushing social media use underground, and whether banning access could inadvertently make some online risks harder for parents to spot.
They also tackle the bigger questions: Should tech companies be doing more? Are parents being expected to shoulder too much responsibility? What happens to teenagers who rely on online communities for connection? And if social media is off limits until 16, what magically changes on their 16th birthday?
Most importantly, Dr Crosby shares practical advice for parents on creating healthier digital habits at home – whether a ban happens or not.
Dr Emily Crosby is an HCPC-registered Educational Psychologist with more than 13 years’ experience working with children, young people and their families across education, NHS and private practice settings.
She holds a Professional Doctorate in Educational Psychology and has worked within CAMHS, local authorities, schools and NHS mental health services, supporting children with a wide range of learning, emotional, social and neurodevelopmental needs.
Her work includes psychological assessment, EHCPs, CBT, neurodiversity support, and consultation and training for parents and educators. Taking a relational and holistic approach, Emily is passionate about making psychology accessible and giving families practical, relatable tools to support children’s emotional wellbeing.
More recently, she has combined private practice with work in an NHS Mental Health Support Team, alongside public speaking and education for parents and professionals.
Instagram: @doctoremilyep
Website: dremilycrosby.com
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