UK Considers Social Media Ban for Under-16s

The British government is considering an Australia-style ban on social media for children under 16. Prime Minister Keir Starmer stated children risk being "pulled into a world of endless scrolling, anxiety and comparison."

Starmer indicated the government is prepared to take robust action. This follows a recent announcement to examine whether features like infinite scrolling and the age at which children can access platforms should be restricted.

He noted the issue is "hugely complex" and requires "properly considered" examination.

Ministers are scheduled to visit Australia to observe their approach. Australia became the first country to ban social media for children under 16 last month.

Technology Secretary Liz Kendall confirmed Britain is weighing the same age threshold as Australia.

Kendall stated some view a ban as the clearest way to protect children. However, others worry it could allow platforms to avoid responsibility, push harmful activity underground, or deprive children of positive social media aspects.

The government is also considering stronger age checks and whether the current digital age of consent is too low.

Governments and regulators globally are assessing the risks of exposing children to social media. They are also examining the impact of screen time on child development and mental health.

The rapid rise of artificial intelligence-generated content online has intensified these concerns. This was highlighted by a recent public outcry over reports of Elon Musk’s Grok AI chatbot generating non-consensual sexual images, including those of minors.

The British government has already outlined plans for an outright ban on artificial intelligence nudification tools. It is also working to prevent children from taking, sharing, or viewing nude images on their devices.

Further considerations include removing features that could drive addictive social media use.

Britain’s recently enforced Online Safety Act, a strict safety regime, has notably increased the share of children encountering age checks online to 47% from 30%. It has also reduced visits to pornography sites by one-third.

Starmer reiterated that "no option is off the table." He added that experts would be consulted to identify the most effective measures.

He stated childhood should not involve "judgement from strangers or pressure to perform for likes."

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• The UK government is considering an Australia-style ban on social media for children under 16.

• Prime Minister Keir Starmer warned of risks like "endless scrolling, anxiety and comparison" for children.

• Technology Secretary Liz Kendall confirmed Britain is evaluating a 16-year age threshold for social media access.

Source: REUTERS