The UK government is actively considering implementing a ban on social media access for children under the age of 16, with a potential decision expected within the next few months. This move follows the recent prohibition enacted in Australia, which the UK is closely monitoring.
Australia's Precedent and UK's Stance
Last month, Australia introduced a landmark ban, barring children under 16 from holding social media accounts. Major platforms including Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, Snapchat, and YouTube now face staggering fines of up to £24.7 million if they fail to take reasonable steps to remove underage accounts.
Technology Secretary Liz Kendall is understood to be open-minded about introducing a similar measure in Britain. While no final decision has been made, reports from The i Paper suggest the timeline for a verdict is measured in months, not years.
Cross-Party Support and Vocal Opposition
The idea has garnered significant political backing. Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch stated her party would ban under-16s from social platforms if in power, criticising the "addictive" design of apps that profit from children's "anxiety and distraction".
This sentiment found an unlikely ally in Labour Mayor of Greater Manchester, Andy Burnham, who called for a "cross-party consensus around much bolder action" after Badenoch's interview.
However, the proposal is not without its critics. Internet safety organisations have raised significant concerns. The Molly Rose Foundation warned an Australian-style ban is "flawed" and could simply push threats onto gaming platforms. The NSPCC cautioned it would be a "blunt approach to a complex problem".
Pressure from Educators and Watchdogs
The push for a ban is heavily supported by the education sector. The teachers' union NASUWT has called for urgent statutory action. General Secretary Matt Wrack argued that "social media companies have shown time and again that they will not act responsibly unless they are forced to do so."
Their 2025 survey of 5,800 teachers revealed 81% reported an increase in violent and abusive pupil behaviour, with nearly 59% citing social media as a key driver. A separate poll found 89% of members support a legal ban for under-16s.
These concerns are echoed by Ofsted's chief, who warned late last year that social media is "chipping away" at children's attention spans and encouraging disrespect.
Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy indicated the government is keeping a "close eye" on Australia's experiment. While initially sceptical about enforceability, she suggested the policy could be considered if proven effective and trusted by young people themselves.
The coming months will be critical as the UK government weighs the profound implications of restricting digital access for a generation, balancing protection against practicality in an increasingly online world.
