UK Under-16 Social Ban Forces Broadcasters to Own Second Screen Engagement

"Harmful products should not be in the hands of children, and it’s clear that many parents want stronger protections. My concern is that a ban alone isn’t enough. The deeper problem is the attention economy underpinning many digital platforms: business models designed to maximise engagement and revenue. As advertisers, we’re part of that ecosystem. The risk is that policymakers and platforms point to a ban and say, “We’ve solved it,” while leaving the root causes untouched. What’s particularly concerning is that AI companies appear to be adopting many of the same dynamics that have driven harms on social media. Recent controversies have raised questions about addictive design and inadequate safeguards. If we fail to address the incentives at the heart of the attention economy, we risk repeating the mistakes of social media at even greater scale. This ban should be the start of the conversation, not the end." Thanks to VideoWeek for the chance to comment on this important topic this week.

‘Brands will need to rethink how to reach younger audiences’ The proposed social media ban for under 16s in the UK will mean that brand owners will need to adjust their marketing strategies and find new ways to connect with young consumers, say a number of PR, communications and marketing specialists working in the licensing space. The new rules were announced on Monday (15 June) and follow a national consultation run by the government from March to May 2026. https://lnkd.in/eEieqJS7 #LicensingSource

Are the days of advertising properties online no longer popular? With the growing trend in favour of properties transacting 'off-market', where does this leave the popular public websites and social media? https://bit.ly/3oSagjm

Would you advertise in a media environment where trust in advertising is just 9%? ☠️ Over the spring, we saw significant turbulence in Sweden around social media platforms and the rise of scam and fraudulent advertising. Now, Schibsted’s latest Trust Report adds even more fuel to the discussion. The message from the report is clear: editorial media outperforms social media across every trust-related metric measured in the survey. Just take a look at these numbers: 📉 Only 9% trust advertising on social media. In editorial media, the figure is 35%. 📉 Only 10% trust social media as a media environment overall. Editorial media scores 59%. ⚠️ 62% of Swedes have encountered false or misleading information on Facebook. ⚠️ 67% have seen fraudulent ads on Facebook. On Instagram, the figure is 46%. 📉 56% say that encountering a misleading ad makes them more sceptical of advertising in general, meaning a single bad experience can damage trust across the entire advertising ecosystem. Check out our article via the link in the comments 👇 #DigitalAdvertising #ProgrammaticAdvertising #ProgrammaticBuying #MediaTrust #BrandSafety #Advertising #Marketing

As trustee at History of Advertising Trust, I’m delighted to report on this latest collaboration between Matt Bourn and the historical archive for HAT’s 50th anniversary celebration this autumn. Matt is our LUBS Marketing Department University of Leeds Advisory Board member and we look forward to using ad history to counteract the overuse of AI generated work in the creative industry. Please get in touch if you’d like to get involved.

I had a conversation recently with someone who assumed digital advertising meant reaching everyone. In reality, one of the most important decisions is who not to reach. For many Catholic organizations, local targeting can make a significant difference. CatholicAdNet.com

Social platforms continue to face increasing scrutiny, but history suggests advertisers rarely leave because of controversy alone. They leave when performance changes. As marketers, it's a good reminder not to become overly dependent on any single channel. The strongest acquisition and retention strategies are diversified, measurable, and flexible enough to adapt when consumer behavior, or platform dynamics, shift. Marketing budgets ultimately follow results, not headlines. https://lnkd.in/gmy2QTch

'This is a pivot rather than a disruption; one that encourages a healthier, more responsible approach to youth marketing that the industry should welcome.’ 📵💫 Reactions to the ban on social media for under-16s in the UK have been mixed. But speaking to VideoWeek, VML Chief Social Officer EMEA, Christina Miller argues responsible advertisers have nothing to worry about, and it may even offer new opportunities for brands to connect. 🫰 Read the full take her: https://lnkd.in/epFa2fBP #VML #WeAreVML

A big thanks to Samantha Loveday at LicensingSource.net for including Charlie in a piece on the incoming age restrictions for social media. It’s a timely conversation for brands, especially those speaking to under-16 audiences - brands will need to think more creatively about how they build meaningful, age-appropriate connections beyond passive social influence. What do you think? #Brands #SocialMedia #Branding #Licensing #PR #Comms