UK CONSIDERS SOCIAL MEDIA BAN FOR UNDER-16S AMID ONLINE SAFETY CONCERNS
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Agency Report
The United Kingdom is considering introducing a ban on social media use for children under the age of 16 as part of broader efforts to tackle concerns around excessive screen time and online safety.
The proposal, being discussed by Prime Minister Keir Starmer, is part of ongoing consultations on how to regulate children’s access to platforms such as Instagram and TikTok.
Starmer said the government is also reviewing additional measures, including app curfews, usage time limits, and restrictions on algorithm-driven feeds, which he noted contribute to “addictive scrolling” among young users.
“We’re consulting on whether there should be a ban for under 16s. But equally important, the addictive scrolling mechanisms are really problematic and they need to go,” he said.
The UK government said the initiative aims to better understand how social media affects children’s sleep patterns, education, and family life, while addressing growing concerns from parents about unhealthy online habits.
Technology Secretary Liz Kendall disclosed that the consultation has already received tens of thousands of responses, with submissions still open to the public.
“We want to hear from parents, teenagers, and families about their experiences and views on curfews, AI chatbots, and addictive features,” Kendall said.
The move comes amid a global trend of stricter regulations on children’s social media use. Countries such as Australia have already introduced a ban for users under 16, while others including Greece and Indonesia have implemented similar restrictions.
The UK government, however, noted that no final decision has been made, adding that the outcome of the consultation will guide future policies on youth access to social media and the regulation of digital platforms.
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