Notifications can be managed in browser preferences.Jump to contentIndependentSwipe for next articleIndependent Bulletin homepageDownload our appAllNewsSportCultureLifestyleNicole Wootton-CaneFriday 22 May 2026 18:03 BSTProtesters accuse Meta of fuelling youth mental health crisisProtesters demonstrated outside government offices and Meta's London headquarters, urging ministers to reconsider a proposed social media ban for under-16s.The group, Mad Youth Organise, argues that an age-based ban is not the solution and instead calls for action to curb the power of Big Tech.Demonstrators installed pink telephones playing messages from young people advocating for algorithm control, removal of addictive features, and an end to advertising on platforms.Mad Youth Organise, formed by young people affected by social media's impact on mental health, proposes a four per cent 'misery tax' on tech corporations' UK revenue.This proposed tax would fund mental health services and the creation of community-led platforms, aiming to address the youth mental health crisis without a 'knee-jerk reaction' ban.In fullProtesters say social media ban ‘isn’t the answer’ as they pile pressure on government to tackle Big TechThank you for registeringPlease refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in