The UK government is considering banning children from speaking to strangers on popular gaming platforms such as Fortnite and Roblox, according to online safety minister Kanishka Narayan. The proposed restrictions are part of a broader social media ban aimed at protecting teenagers from online harms.
Growing Concerns Over Online Safety in Gaming
Concerns around online safety on gaming platforms have escalated over recent years. Platforms like Roblox and Discord have already implemented age verification checks in compliance with UK law to prevent children from communicating with adult strangers. While games like Fortnite and Minecraft already offer parental controls to limit interactions, there is increasing pressure on companies to take more decisive action. Roblox, for instance, faces lawsuits in the US over child safety concerns.
Government Proposals and Ministerial Statements
As reported by The Sunday Times, Narayan stated he would consider imposing restrictions on gaming platforms as part of a proposed social media ban on teenagers. Prime Minister Keir Starmer has vowed to take decisive action to curb social media’s impact on children. Although specifics have not been outlined, some expect the UK to replicate Australia’s social media ban for under-16s, implemented last year, or restrict features like infinite scrolling, autoplay, and location sharing.
Lessons from Australia
Australia’s social media ban, which has had questionable success, does not include gaming platforms. However, following a recent trip to Australia, Narayan noted that one of the biggest concerns raised was “stranger pairing” — how easily adults can contact children they do not know on certain platforms. He emphasized that this issue was predominantly raised in the context of gaming platforms, though he did not name specific titles. “So that will weigh quite significantly in my mind as we think about how we stop some of the most egregious harms for young people,” he added.
Children’s Commissioner Weighs In
Rachel de Souza, the children’s commissioner, recently called for restrictions on games in the context of the social media ban proposal, which she believes will not “solve the world’s problems.” She pointed out that boys often spend three or four hours a day gaming rather than on social media. “Those games often have features that allow a 55-year-old in Arizona to come in and speak to a nine-year-old,” she said on Sky News. De Souza added that she would not call it a ban on children but rather a ban and restriction on services that are not suitable for under-18s.
Challenges and Uncertainties
The government has not reached a conclusion on the restrictions it will apply, and it remains unclear if any will be implemented. A blanket ban on children speaking with strangers online in games would be incredibly difficult to monitor and maintain. Gaming platforms were also discussed in relation to Australia’s social media ban but were ultimately omitted, a move that faced criticism. However, Australia’s ban does include the streaming platform Twitch.
As the UK government deliberates, the debate over protecting children online versus preserving the benefits of gaming continues. The outcome will likely have significant implications for gamers, parents, and gaming companies alike.
