The government has launched a consultation on whether young people under 16 should be banned from having social media accounts.
The three-month consultation jointly run by the Department for Education and Department for Science, Innovation and Technology (DSIT), will gather insights on how to keep children safe online across social media, AI chatbots and gaming platforms.
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Analysis: How would social media ban for under-16s work?
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It comes amid growing public concern around the impact of social media on children and young people in the UK and globally – and follows a social media ban for under-16s being introduced in Australia late last year.
Some campaigners have called for an outright ban on social media for children while others such as children’s charities have warned that a blanket ban could drive children towards less regulated corners of the internet or leave teenagers unprepared when they do come online.
The government said the consultation will “look beyond a ban” and include a full range of options, from curfews to the impact of chatbots and gaming. It also asks the questions about how any new rules would work in practice to ensure they are effective.
It is open to children and young people, parents and carers, academics and children’s practitioners.
In addition to whether there should be minimum age restrictions, the consultation also asks about platform features, mandatory overnight curfews, age verification enforcement and support for parents and children in navigating the online world.
Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson said: “Technology is fundamentally changing childhood. Used well, it can open up new opportunities for learning, creativity and connection, but only if we get the balance right. That is why we want to hear directly from parents, teachers and young people about how we strike that balance and give children the very best childhood in a digital age.
“For the first time, we will also publish guidance on healthy screen time for children aged 5 to 16, giving parents the practical tools to help their children build a healthier relationship with technology from an early age.
“Every child deserves a childhood – real experiences, real friendships, real opportunities. We are determined to make that a reality, both inside and outside the classroom.”
The consultation closes on 26 May 2026.
The government has said it will respond in the summer, pledging to “act swiftly” on the evidence gathered.
Source: CYPNow
