Commenting on a new analysis from the Centre for Social Justice, which indicates that more than 800,000 UK children aged between three and five engage with social media, Daniel Kebede, general secretary of the National Education Union, said:
"The alarming findings of this report will come as no surprise to teachers who every day see the damaging impact of social media on young children. It affects every part of a child’s development, from their mental health and wellbeing to their speech and language and socialisation with peers.
"NEU polling with More in Common and The New Britain Project shows that for parents, social media and its negative impacts on their children’s mental health is an urgent issue.
"Social media giants have a responsibility to our children. If they cannot accept this responsibility of their own volition, the government must take action to ensure they do.
"It is important that we have a debate on this topic and shine a light on the impact that social media is having on young people. But much more needs to be done. There is clear public support for greater government intervention, which must be heeded. The Australian government have already banned social media for all under-16s and we should look to do the same."