With Ofcom due to set out its enforcement plan for next year’s social media ban in the coming days, research from EE reveals that two in five 11 to 15-year-olds are already planning to dodge the restrictions by downloading apps that fall outside the new rules.

A survey of 1,000 UK parents of secondary school children, 1,000 young people aged 11 to 17, and 100 secondary school teachers found that 44% of secondary school pupils are talking about possible workarounds with their friends, including scoping out alternative platforms that may not be covered by the ban, and 95% of teachers expect at least some to succeed.

Young people who switch to apps outside the ban, such as new messaging services, gaming sites or lesser known social platforms, will not be covered by its protections. This could leave them exposed to the very risks the restrictions were designed to prevent, from bullying and harmful content to addictive algorithmic feeds.

Yet just 44% of parents know the ban arrives in March, raising the risk that conversations about staying safe online happen too late, after children have already started looking for workarounds and navigating alternative spaces.

Rachel Huggins, CEO at Internet Matters, says: “These findings highlight why it is so important to offer support to parents now, ahead of the social media ban coming into effect."

“Parents are the first port of call for children when they encounter issues online, yet children are looking to switch to platforms that parents may be less familiar with. These platforms may also present more risk of harm than those that are likely to fall into the scope of the ban, therefore presenting parents with an even greater challenge."

“It is vital to equip parents with the knowledge and tools to help keep their children safe online, and to do this in an accessible way. Internet Matters is pleased to support EE's in-store online safety sessions, making it easier for busy families to get practical help with parental controls and apps settings, and to start conversations before the social media ban takes effect.”

55% of young people say being on the same apps as their friends matters, and a third believe their friendships would suffer without them, which helps explain why so many are looking for a way round it. These friendship worries are already showing up in the classroom. 49% of teachers say their pupils are distressed or upset about the upcoming changes.  

Some parents are prepared to help their children get round the ban. 39% say they would help their child access social media if they felt the restrictions were harming them, while a third share their children’s worry that the ban could damage their friendships. 

Jonny Bunt, Corporate Affairs Director, BT’s Consumer Division, says: “The new rules could transform young people’s relationship with technology, but only if families, teachers and tech companies work together to make them a success. Many young people are already planning to move to apps outside the ban, and families need to talk about that now, before the changes come in."

“Parents want to do right by their children, but they tell us they don’t always know where to start. A great first step is talking to young people about what responsible tech use looks like and agreeing on ground rules together, before the changes come into force. That’s why we are running in-store online safety sessions across the country with expert EE Guides ready to help families build healthy tech habits early.”

EE is offering free, bookable online safety sessions in over 300 stores across the UK. Hosted by trained staff members, the sessions have been designed to give families and young people personalised support on managing their digital wellbeing, from setting up parental controls and monitoring access to certain apps, to carving out time for screen free activities. 

And the winners are...

EE is among the 2026 RTIH Innovation Awards finalists.

Our winners will be revealed at the 2026 RTIH Innovation Awards Ceremony, taking place at The HAC in Central London on Wednesday, 4th November.

Check out our 2026 shortlists and finalists here.

We received a record number of entries this year and many fantastic examples of technology excellence driving transformative change across the global retail sector.

Congratulations to all those who made it through the initial submission process! It’s now over to our star studded judging panel who will decide the winners to be announced at the 2026 RTIH Innovation Awards Ceremony.

The event will consist of a drinks reception, three course meal, awards ceremony presided over by award winning stand-up comedian, presenter, actor and broadcaster, Aurie Styla, and after party until 1am.

Click here to book your place at the 2026 RTIH Innovation Awards Ceremony on Wednesday, 4th November.