Britain19 January, 20262 min read
UK Government Launches Consultation to Ban Under-16s From Social Media
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Government launched consultation on restricting social media access for under-16s Consultation will consider raising the digital age of consent and curbing 'infinite scrolling' and 'streaks'
9 outlets told this the same way.
UK social media age review
The UK government has opened a formal consultation to consider banning under-16s from social media and to explore other measures aimed at curbing young people's device and platform use. Officials say the review will examine an age limit, enforcement options, stronger age checks, and restrictions on addictive features such as infinite scrolling and streaks, with a government response expected in the summer. Ministers have also signalled interest in international precedents and plan to study Australia's recent measures as part of the evidence-gathering process.
“The government has launched a consultation on whether to ban under-16s from using social media as part of measures to curb young people’s mobile phone use.”
Youth online safety proposals
Policy options under consideration include raising the digital age of consent. Other options include tougher age verification and blocking platforms from accessing young users' data. Proposals also cover time limits or curfews and banning addictive features like infinite scroll and 'streaks'.
Officials announced they will consult parents, young people and civil society. Ofsted is being asked to review schools' mobile-phone rules, and ministers plan to visit Australia to examine the practicalities of its approach.
School phone policies
Schools and inspection watchdogs are a central part of the government's approach. Ministers want phones to be banned "by default" in schools.
“Ofsted will also issue tougher guidance to reduce phone use in schools, including telling staff not to use personal devices in front of pupils.”
Ofsted is expected to report on and inspect phone policies and to issue guidance to reduce device use during the school day. Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson and Technology Secretary Liz Kendall have both been cited urging stricter school rules, and Ofsted guidance is also set to tell staff not to use personal devices in front of pupils.
Mixed reactions to age bans
Reaction is mixed. Campaigners, bereaved families and at least 61 Labour MPs have pushed for tougher action and are cited as influences on the government's move.
Charities and some experts warn that blanket age-based bans may be ineffective and could push harms into other online spaces. Critics, including former schools minister Lord Nash, have argued the consultation is insufficient and will press for a quicker statutory age change in the Lords.
