A prominent lawyer and gaming industry expert has warned parents and policymakers that unrestricted access to video games may carry the same risk of harm as social media platforms, amid increasing calls for regulation for under-16s.
Zohaib Hashim, founder and CEO of Manchester media and entertainment specialist Blackmont Legal, said that if the UK proceeds with a ban or significant restrictions on social media for children, video games should not be overlooked unless reforms are introduced.
Parliament is currently considering amendments to the Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Bill which would see an outright ban on social media access for under-16s.
Hashim pointed out that many popular games now serve as social media platforms in their own right, with in-game messaging, voice chat and online communities forming a core part of the user experience for young players.
“If the aim of an under-16 ban is child protection, then we need to open up a conversation about the potential harms of video games,” he said.
“Communication within games is often less visible, less regulated and more persistent than on traditional social media.”
While attention has focused on platforms such as Instagram, TikTok, and Snapchat, Hashim warns that video games are notorious for grooming and abuse risks due to their immersive nature and prolonged, unsupervised interaction between users.
He points to practical reforms that could significantly reduce risk, including tighter restrictions on in-game chat, such as ‘quick chat’ systems that limit communication to pre-approved phrases relevant to gameplay.
Improved parental controls and clearer default privacy settings are also key, particularly for younger users who may not fully understand the risks of online interaction.
“Controlling communication is absolutely central,” Hashim said. “By putting safeguards in place now, we can help children enjoy games while staying safe online.”
Although violent gaming content is usually spotlighted as the issue for adolescents, research-based evidence from The University of Bristol suggests that violent or graphic content by itself is not strongly associated with increases in conduct problems.
Hashim (pictured above) added: “The evidence increasingly shows it’s communication and anonymity that matter most.”
The UK has seen a surge in proposed legislation and regulatory discussion around online safety in recent years, including calls for greater transparency from social media companies and the release of platform data in cases involving serious harm to children.
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A UK Parliament petition calling for a minimum age of 16 for social media access has attracted more than 100,000 signatures.
In contrast to current UK landscape, Australia has already moved forward with a world‑first under‑16 social media age restriction that came into effect in December 2025. From that date, major social platforms such as Facebook, Instagram, TikTok and YouTube are required to take “reasonable steps” to prevent children under 16 from holding accounts, with significant fines if they fail to comply.
Hashim said: “Whether social media or video games, the goal is the same: child protection backed by practical, enforceable measures.
“Addressing gaming now as part of reforms helps us to stay ahead of the inevitable harms and ensure online safety for everyone.”
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