UK Government Launches Public Consultation on Banning Social Media for Under‑16s
The British government has opened a public consultation on prohibiting social‑media use for anyone under 16 years old, inviting young people, their parents, and all relevant stakeholders to share their observations.
Why the Consultation Matters
The initiative aims to determine how to help young people thrive in an era of rapid technological change, according to the Secretary of State for Technology, Liz Kendall.
Rather than imposing a blanket ban, the government wants the public’s input on alternative measures that are considered less radical.
Proposed Alternatives Under Review
| Measure | Description |
|---|---|
| Feature deactivation | Platforms would be required to disable functionalities deemed addictive (e.g., endless scroll, autoplay). |
| Stronger age‑verification | Enhanced controls to ensure only users of the appropriate age can access social‑media services. |
| Night‑time curfew | Possible mandatory “offline” hours during which under‑16s could not log into social‑media apps. |
| AI‑chatbot regulation | Guidelines for the use of AI‑driven chatbots by minors, aiming to limit exposure to potentially harmful content. |
A Vision for a Happy Childhood
“The road to a happy life passes through a flourishing childhood, filled with love, learning, and play. This is just as true in the virtual world as it is in the real one,” emphasized Ms. Kendall.
Timeline
- Consultation closes: 26 May 2026
- Government response: Expected to be published during the summer
Parliamentary Backing
- The House of Lords (the UK’s upper chamber) has already voted in favour of a total ban on social‑media use for under‑16s.
- More than 60 Labour MPs have joined Conservative and Liberal‑Democrat lawmakers in supporting the measure.
Stay tuned for updates as the UK government evaluates public feedback and shapes its final policy on youth social‑media use.
