Hanna Andréa featured as UK's under-16 social media ban advances

Norwegian-American pop artist Hanna Andréa appeared on Children United Today as the UK moved ahead with its under-16 social media ban, putting her song 'GET OFF YOUR PHONE' into a wider debate about young people and screen time. The segment linked the policy fight in London with global questions about whether other countries could follow.

Why it matters: - The UK's under-16 social media ban is moving forward while governments, tech companies and families debate the impact on young people. - Andréa's song 'GET OFF YOUR PHONE' landed in that conversation, giving the issue a cultural touchpoint beyond politics. - The segment also showed how youth-focused media can amplify music that speaks directly to screen habits and online overload.

What happened: - Norwegian-American pop artist Hanna Andréa was featured on Children United Today, a global news channel for children backed by organisations including Sky, WWF, UNICEF and The Science Museum. - The segment examined the UK's social media ban for under-16s and what the policy could mean for young people in other countries. - Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy reiterated that the ban remains on track despite the political upheaval surrounding Keir Starmer's resignation as Prime Minister. - The segment noted that the United States separately urged the UK not to proceed, citing concerns about the impact on American tech companies. - The program also aired a short clip from the music video for Andréa's single 'GET OFF YOUR PHONE' before cutting to her comment.

The details: - Andréa said the song came from watching friends spend time together while scrolling through TikTok or Snapchat instead of making memories. - Andréa said the song was meant to poke fun at an awkward situation while reflecting on the current relationship with phones. - 'GET OFF YOUR PHONE' is the lead release from Andréa's EP 'Braveheart.' - The track has a playful, pointed message about doom-scrolling and missed moments. - The song blends melodic pop with Americana, late '90s and early 2000s rock nostalgia, and comparisons to Avril Lavigne and Olivia Rodrigo. - 'Braveheart' also includes 'Pinnacles,' 'Float' and the title track, and was released March 27. - Andréa's debut single 'Starlight' arrived in 2024. - Andréa's debut LP 'Stranded In The Middle' included visual collaborations with Northern Norwegian artists. - Andréa has built a sound around atmospheric synths, orchestral elements and layered vocals. - Her work has drawn comparisons to AURORA, Laufey, Tommee Profitt and Jacob Collier.

Between the lines: - The placement of Andréa's song inside a policy segment suggests the track has crossed from music promotion into a broader social commentary moment. - The UK's proposal is becoming a test case for how far governments can go in limiting social media access for minors. - The U.S. warning underscores that the policy debate has economic as well as child-safety stakes. - Andréa's bilingual and bicultural background, along with her Muscogee Nation citizenship, helps frame her work as multi-perspective and identity-driven. - Andréa also composed 'Muse! The Shakespeare Mayhem Musical,' a pop-infused theatrical production co-created with Lisa Sanderson. - 'Muse!' premiered at Lincoln Center and has been selected as a featured production at the 2026 Edinburgh Festival Fringe, running August 7-31 at Underbelly's Cowbarn. - Andréa trained at Interlochen Center for the Arts, Princeton University and Lincoln Center. - 'Braveheart' will be followed by a concept LP titled 'Dearest.'

What's next: - The UK ban will remain a live political and regulatory story as lawmakers and ministers keep pressing ahead. - Other countries will continue weighing whether the UK approach offers a model for limiting teen access to social platforms. - Andréa's next projects include the concept LP 'Dearest' and the Edinburgh Fringe run of 'Muse!' in August.

The bottom line: - A pop song about phone addiction has become part of a much larger debate over youth, technology and government power.