Call Us: 
- Introduction
- Social media platforms are designed to keep us scrolling
- The link between behavioural and substance addictions
- Backing the UK’s consultation for a social media ban
- Delamere’s approach to behavioural addiction treatment
Introduction
Earlier this year, the UK government launched a consultation asking parents, guardians and young people whether platforms should disable addictive features like infinite scrolling, introduce overnight curfews, and limit children’s access to AI chatbots.
The work forms part of the UK’s consideration of whether to introduce a social‑media ban for under‑16s, reflecting growing concern about the impact of excessive online use on young people’s mental health and development.
Other countries are taking similar steps, as Australia has already introduced a ban, while Spain, France, Denmark and Austria are considering comparable age‑based restrictions.
Social media platforms are designed to keep us scrolling
Data from GWI shows that adults are now spending roughly 16% of their waking hours scrolling through social media and video feeds.
This level of engagement is not accidental.
Many social media platforms are intentionally designed with features such as infinite scrolling and autoplay, which maximise engagement by activating the brain’s reward system and triggering the release of dopamine.
The integration of short-form video content has been particularly effective at triggering psychological patterns that keep users in a continuous scrolling loop.
Over time, this can create a powerful feedback cycle of anticipation and reward, often referred to as a ‘dopamine loop’.
Dopamine is a neurotransmitter that plays a key role in the brain’s reward and motivation system. When we experience something pleasurable or stimulating, such as receiving likes, notifications or engaging with entertaining content, dopamine is released. This creates a feeling of reward and encourages the behaviour to be repeated.
Over time, this loop can reinforce compulsive behaviours in ways that closely mirror patterns seen in substance misuse and other behavioural addictions.
The link between behavioural and substance addictions
At Delamere, we frequently see behavioural addictions, such as gambling or digital addiction, presenting alongside alcohol or drug dependency. In cases of polysubstance use, individuals may rely on multiple substances and behaviours as part of a wider pattern of addiction.
Behaviours such as excessive social media use, gaming or gambling can emerge as coping mechanisms or replacement behaviours, particularly when someone is struggling with an underlying addiction.
Backing the UK’s consultation for a social media ban
We see first-hand the impact that compulsive digital behaviours can have, and we welcome the fact that this debate has now moved into the mainstream.
Whether through age limits, curfews or the removal of addictive design features, steps that prioritise wellbeing over engagement metrics are positive.
The priority now must be evidence-based intervention, meaningful accountability from platforms and access to specialist support for those whose social media use forms part of a wider pattern of addictive behaviour.
Delamere’s approach to behavioural addiction treatment
Google Trends data reveals that searches for ‘social media addiction treatment’ have increased by 180% year on year, reflecting growing awareness of the issue.
Problems typically begin when internet use goes beyond the norm and starts to impact day-to-day life, work and relationships. When digital behaviours begin to interfere with daily functioning, professional support may be required.
Although digital addiction treatment is a relatively new field, we draw on extensive experience treating behavioural addictions such as gambling, alongside alcohol and drug dependency, to deliver innovative programmes that are built for long-term change.
At Delamere, our behavioural addiction treatment programme takes a holistic and evidence-based approach, combining clinical expertise with therapeutic practices that treat the individual.
Our pioneering six-week treatment programme incorporates a range of scientifically proven therapies, including:
- Detailed Anaesthetists’ Non-Technical Skills (ANTS) assessment
- Cognitive Behavioural Therapy (CBT)
- Individual counselling and psychotherapy
- Group therapy
- Equine therapy
- Music and art therapy
- Yoga and mindfulness practices
- Cold water therapy
With 24-hour professional support, we help individuals understand and overcome the patterns that drive compulsive behaviour.
