UK Considers Social Media Ban for Kids Under 16, Seeks Parent Input

The United Kingdom is launching a public consultation to gather opinions from parents and children about potentially prohibiting social media access for those under 16. The three-month review will also examine restrictions on gaming platforms and AI chatbots as governments worldwide grapple with protecting young people's mental health online.

LONDON – The United Kingdom has launched a comprehensive review asking families and young people to weigh in on whether children under 16 should be prohibited from using social media platforms.

Nations across the globe are wrestling with how to shield children from the negative effects of social media and online gaming on their mental wellness and sleep patterns, as many parents struggle to keep up with platforms designed to keep young users engaged for extended periods.

In December, Australia implemented restrictions preventing those under 16 from accessing social media, prompting other nations including the UK to consider following suit.

UK Prime Minister Keir Starmer has expressed his intention to establish additional safeguards for children that go beyond the current Online Safety Act, which was enacted just two and a half years ago.

Beginning Monday, the three-month public consultation will examine various approaches including establishing minimum age requirements for social media access, prohibiting features designed to be addictive, and implementing nighttime restrictions for users under 16.

Technology Minister Liz Kendall addressed the widespread concerns in a public statement: “We know parents everywhere are grappling with how much screen time their children should have, when they should give them a phone, what they are seeing online, and the impact all of this is having.”

“This is why we’re asking children and parents to take part in this landmark consultation on how young people can thrive in an age of rapid technological change,” Kendall continued.

Officials announced plans to conduct trial programs involving families and teenagers to test how social media limitations might function in real-world scenarios.

The review will also investigate whether minors should have unrestricted access to artificial intelligence chatbots and explore ways to enhance age-verification systems.

Additionally, the UK is developing more stringent regulations requiring technology companies to delete non-consensual intimate images within 48 hours or face penalties up to 10% of their worldwide revenue.