UK consults on social media restrictions to protect children online

The UK government has launched a public consultation on possible new restrictions for under-16s using social media, as ministers examine ways to better protect young people online.

Children, parents and adults are being invited to share their views over the next three months. The consultation will explore several proposals, including a possible ban on social media for under-16s, overnight curfews on platforms, and limits on children’s access to AI chatbots.

The move follows growing concern about the impact of digital platforms on young people’s wellbeing. In January, the House of Lords voted in favour of banning under-16s from social media, increasing pressure on the government to consider stronger protections.

Technology Secretary Liz Kendall said the consultation would help ensure young people can “thrive in an age of rapid technological change”.

“Together, we will create a digital world that gives young people the childhood they deserve and prepares them for the future,” she added.

Supporters of a ban argue that stronger measures are needed to shield children from harmful or addictive online environments. In an open letter to Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer, 61 MPs said governments had done “too little to protect young people from… unregulated, addictive social media platforms”.

However, some organisations warn that a blanket ban may not solve the problem.

Children’s charities NSPCC and Childnet said: “Though well-intentioned, blanket bans on social media would fail to deliver the improvement in children's safety and wellbeing that they so urgently need.”

The UK debate follows action in other countries. Australia introduced a national ban on social media accounts for under-16s in December 2025, with platforms facing fines if they fail to remove under-age users.

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer has said the UK is “watching Australia with interest” as it considers its own approach to protecting young people online.