2026-03-02 15:05:03
The UK Government has launched a public consultation on whether to ban under-16s from social media.
Young people and their parents have been invited to submit comments ahead of a government decision on the proposal – which follows Australia’s decision last year to ban children from platforms such as Instagram, YouTube and TikTok.
Technology Secretary Liz Kendall says that the consultation would help establish how young people could “thrive in an age of rapid technological change”.
As well as seeking opinions on an outright ban, the government also wants to find out whether platforms should be required to switch off addictive features and whether mandatory overnight curfews will help kids to sleep better.
The authorities are also looking to establish whether children should be able to use AI chatbots without restriction and how age verification should be strengthened.
The government explained that pilots will be conducted to test the “real-world evidence” of the effectiveness of planned interventions.
Kendall said: “The path to a good life is a great childhood, one full of love, learning and play. That applies just as much to the online world as it does to the real one.
“We know parents everywhere are grappling with how much screen time their children should have, when they should give them a phone, what they are seeing online, and the impact all of this is having.”
She added: “This is why we’re asking children and parents to take part in this landmark consultation.”
The government says that “everyone with a view” on the subject is entitled to take part in – including parents, carers, young people, those who work with children, civil society organisations, academics and industry.
Different versions of the consultation are available for young people and parents and carers to make it more accessible.
The consultation will close on May 26, as the government plans to respond “in the summer”.
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