Headlines

UK Considers Social Media Ban for Children Under 16

Can a social media ban protect under-16s from online harm, or is it an unenforceable measure that risks unintended consequences?

DEC 22 2025·Updated DEC 26 2025

UK Considers Social Media Ban for Children Under 16

Story

Above: A mobile phone screen displaying social media apps in Ankara, Turkiye, on Oct. 1. Image credit: Ismail Aslandag/Anadolu/Getty Images

The Facts

U.K. Prime Minister Keir Starmer is considering implementing a social media ban for children under the age of 16, similar to the one that took effect in Australia in December, according to multiple reports on Sunday.
Daily Mail
LBC
The development comes despite Starmer having voiced his opposition to such a proposal during an interview with The Observer earlier this month, stating "“I think it’s more about how you control the content that children can see rather than simply saying [there should be] a blanket ban.”
The Observer
A government spokesperson has since confirmed to numerous news outlets that Downing Street is “closely monitoring Australia’s approach to age restrictions” and that “nothing is off the table” concerning child safety, repeating a statement originally given in Parliament on Dec. 10.
UK Parliament
LBC
The Telegraph
In a separate interview with The Observer, Health Secretary Wes Streeting declared his support for such a scheme, warning that social media was becoming increasingly “antisocial” and a gateway for children to access the “most extreme content.”
The Observer
Speaking to LBC, Culture Secretary Lisa Nandy, meanwhile, acknowledged the government was keeping a “close eye” on Australia’s approach, but raised concerns about enforceability and the possibility it would push children toward unregulated parts of the internet.
LBC
The reports emerged ahead of the House of Lords’ consideration of an Australian-style amendment to the Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Bill sponsored by Lord Nash in January, which would introduce age restrictions on VPNs to support measures under the Online Safety Act.
UK Parliament
UK Parliament

Sources Split

LEFT

CENTER

RIGHT

ESTAB
CRIT

CENTER

PRO
ESTAB

The Spin

Narrative A

Social media has become a breeding ground for toxicity, hate and extreme content that is overwhelming mental health services with damaged young people. Australia’s bold move to ban social media for under-16s warrants serious consideration as a radical solution to protect children from this increasingly antisocial digital nightmare.

The Observer

Guardian

Narrative B

Blanket social media bans will not work, and risk driving children into darker, unregulated corners of the internet and increasing the impact of exposure once old enough to use. What young people need is supportive adults who can guide them through the digital world, not heavy-handed restrictions that ignore their voices and lived experiences.

LBC

LSE

GB News on X