UK Considers Social Media Ban for Under-16s to Protect Children’s Wellbeing

The UK government has opened a consultation on whether to ban social media use for children under the age of 16 as part of wider efforts to protect young people’s wellbeing. The proposals also include giving Ofsted greater powers to review how schools manage mobile phone use, with ministers indicating that schools should be largely phone-free. The move follows a similar ban introduced in Australia in December 2025, which has sparked debate in other countries.

The proposal has received strong political support, including backing from dozens of Labour MPs and from the mother of murdered teenager Brianna Ghey, who has called on the government to take action. Supporters argue that social media can isolate children and expose them to harmful, algorithm-driven content. However, some experts and children’s charities warn that vulnerable young people may depend on online spaces for support and community.

Technology Secretary Liz Kendall said the government will run a three-month consultation involving parents, young people, and civil society groups. The process will examine whether stronger age-verification checks can be enforced and whether social media companies should be required to limit features that encourage excessive use. She said the aim is to ensure technology benefits children rather than harming them.

Education unions and school leaders have broadly welcomed the consultation, though opinions differ on how phone use in schools should be regulated. Some academics and child welfare organisations remain cautious, saying there is limited evidence that age-based social media bans are effective. They argue that improving safeguards, reducing harmful content, and strengthening digital literacy may offer better protection for young people.