The UK government has launched a public consultation exploring whether to ban children under 16 from accessing social media platforms. This move follows intense pressure from more than 60 Labour MPs, bereaved parents including Esther Ghey, and cross-party calls to protect young people from online harms. As countries like Australia implement similar restrictions, the UK aims to gather evidence on the best ways to curb addictive features and safeguard childhood in the digital age.

Background / Context

Concerns about social media's impact on children have escalated in recent years, linked to issues like anxiety, bullying, exposure to harmful content, and addictive designs such as infinite scrolling and streaks. The UK's Online Safety Act (passed in 2023) already requires platforms to assess risks to children and implement age checks, but many argue it falls short of a firm age barrier. Global trends, including Australia's nationwide ban on under-16s that took effect in late 2025, have intensified domestic debate, with petitions gathering tens of thousands of signatures and grassroots campaigns flooding MPs' inboxes.

Key Developments / Details

On January 19, 2026, ministers from the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology announced the consultation, seeking input from parents, young people, and civil society. The review will examine options including a full ban on social media for under-16s, stronger age verification technologies, raising the digital age of consent from 13, and restricting addictive app features. Technology Secretary Liz Kendall emphasized that existing laws were "never meant to be the end point," highlighting parents' ongoing worries. The government plans to respond by summer 2026. This announcement comes ahead of a critical House of Lords vote on an amendment to the Children's Wellbeing and Schools Bill, proposed by Conservative peer Lord Nash, which would enforce a 16+ age limit within a year of passage.

Supporting the push, more than 60 Labour MPs signed an open letter to Prime Minister Keir Starmer, urging leadership on an "Australia-style" ban. They cited widespread reports of anxious, unhappy children struggling with focus and social skills. Bereaved parents, including Esther Ghey (mother of murdered teen Brianna Ghey), have publicly backed the amendment, describing social media as inappropriate for those under 16.

Implications

This development signals a potential major shift in how the UK regulates the digital lives of young people. A ban could prioritize mental health, reduce exposure to bullying, inappropriate content, and addiction, allowing children more time for real-world play and development. For society, it places greater responsibility on tech companies to enforce protections, potentially setting a precedent for other nations. Parents and educators would benefit from clearer boundaries, while the industry faces new compliance challenges.

Challenges / Limitations

Critics, including some children's charities like the NSPCC, warn that a blanket ban might drive young users to unregulated "darker" parts of the internet. Evidence on social media's direct causal link to mental health issues remains mixed, with experts calling for more research. Enforcement relies on effective age assurance, which could exclude legitimate users or prove technically difficult. Others highlight unintended consequences, such as a sudden "cliff edge" at age 16 when teens gain unrestricted access.

Future Outlook

The consultation will inform policy, with ministers studying Australia's experience through visits and evidence gathering. Additional measures, like phone-free schools (with tougher Ofsted guidance) and new screen time advice for parents of 5- to 16-year-olds, are already in motion. If the Lords amendment passes, it could accelerate change, pressuring the government further. Outcomes could strengthen the Online Safety Act framework or introduce landmark age restrictions, influencing global child online safety standards.

Conclusion / Summary

As the UK weighs bold steps to shield children from social media's risks, this consultation represents a pivotal moment in balancing digital innovation with childhood protection. With mounting cross-party support and international examples, the path ahead points toward stronger safeguards—making it essential for stakeholders to engage and shape a safer online future for the next generation.