Summary
The UK government is considering a rule to stop children under 16 from using social media. They will gather opinions from the public to decide if such a law could help protect children online. The decision will follow with schools likely being asked to limit phone use.
Key Facts
- The UK government will consult on banning social media for children under 16.
- Ofsted may be given more power to enforce limits on phone use in schools.
- A similar social media ban started in Australia in December 2025.
- More than 60 Labour MPs and parents have pushed for action on this issue.
- The consultation will gather input from parents, young people, and civil society.
- Social media companies might be asked to strengthen age verification and limit addictive features.
- The Technology Secretary, Liz Kendall, emphasized that technology should benefit children, not harm them.
- The government plans to respond to the consultation by the summer.
