Children's charities warn that a social media ban could be 'a potential gift to abusers'

Late last year, the Australian government ordered a social media ban for under-16s. Ten platforms have deleted a total of 4.7m social media accounts. Stock picture

Children's charities have warned how the “unintended consequences” of a social media ban could end up as “a potential gift” to paedophiles.

Irish Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children Head of Policy and Public Affairs Fiona Jennings warned nobody really knows what impact a ban would have.