In January 2026, the UK government launched a formal consultation to consider banning social media access for children under 16. The initiative aims to protect young people from online harms, including exposure to harmful content and mental health risks, following a similar age-based restriction introduced in Australia in late 2025. A teenagers poses holding a mobile phone as law banning social media for users under 16 in Australia takes effect, in Sydney, Australia, December 10, 2025. The consultation will gather views from the public, digital experts, and technology companies on potentia

In January 2026, the UK government launched a formal consultation to consider banning social media access for children under 16. The initiative aims to protect young people from online harms, including exposure to harmful content and mental health risks, following a similar age-based restriction introduced in Australia in late 2025.

A teenagers poses holding a mobile phone as law banning social media for users under 16 in Australia takes effect, in Sydney, Australia, December 10, 2025.

The consultation will gather views from the public, digital experts, and technology companies on potential regulatory measures. Options under consideration include an Australia-style age restriction, improvements in age verification technology, restrictions on addictive platform features like infinite scrolling, and guidance on safer digital practices.

Ministers are also exploring complementary measures, such as “phone-free” policies in schools, designed to limit student exposure to social media during school hours. While the consultation is a critical step, it does not yet create law; any legislation would follow after reviewing public and expert input. The move comes amid growing political and public pressure to safeguard children online, with several MPs and parent groups urging urgent action. It also builds on the UK’s Online Safety Act 2023, which regulates harmful content on digital platforms.

A little more informed. A little more connected.