Social media ban for under-16s proposed in government consultation

The government is set to start a consultation on an Australia-style ban on social media platforms for under-16s.

Proposals being set out by ministers aim to build on broader action to ensure children get the best start in life, including a revised curriculum and better skills training.

Measures being considered alongside a ban include restrictions on addictive features, better age checks and guidance for parents of under-fives on screen time.

The schools regulator Ofsted will also examine mobile phone policies at schools and how effectively those are being implemented, with tougher guidance also planned, which would state pupils should not have access to their devices during lessons, break times, lunch times or between classes.

The consultation will seek views from parents, young people and the wider public, with the first events in a nationwide tour set to be held soon. The government will respond to the consultation in the summer.

Technology Secretary Liz Kendall said: “Through the Online Safety Act, this government has already taken clear concrete steps to deliver a safer online world for our children and young people.

“These laws were never meant to be the end point, and we know parents still have serious concerns. That is why I am prepared to take further action.

READ MORE: ‘Regulating social media means changing who owns it’

“Technology has huge potential – to create jobs, transform public services, and improve lives. But we will only seize on that potential if people know they and their children are safe online.

“We are determined to ensure technology enriches children’s lives, not harms them – and to give every child the childhood they deserve.”

A recent YouGov poll found that almost three-quarters of people (74%) would support banning under-16s from social media sites.

Subscribe here to our daily newsletter roundup of Labour news, analysis and comment– and follow us on Bluesky, WhatsApp, X and Facebook.

The policy appears popular across political parties, with 76% of Labour voters, 77% of Conservative voters, 73% of Reform voters and 82% of Liberal Democrat voters backing such a move.

The prospect of a social media ban for under-16s comes weeks after a similar policy came into force in Australia, with social media platforms ordered to close existing accounts belonging to under-16s and prevent new ones being created or face fines of up to £25 million.

Australia’s age-restricted platforms include Facebook, Instagram, X, TikTok, YouTube and Snapchat, but not WhatsApp, Messenger, and Discord – although the Australian government has not ruled out new additions to the list over time.

The move by the Labour government comes amid pressure from Labour MPs and from the House of Lords ahead of a vote on a ban tomorrow in an amendment to the Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Bill.

Share your thoughts. Contribute on this story or tell your own by writing to our Editor. The best letters every week will be published on the site. Find out how to get your letter published.

• • SHARE: If you have anything to share that we should be looking into or publishing about this story – or any other topic involving Labour– contact us (strictly anonymously if you wish) at [email protected].
  • SUBSCRIBE: Sign up to LabourList’s morning email here for the best briefing on everything Labour, every weekday morning.
  • DONATE: If you value our work, please chip in a few pounds a week and become one of our supporters, helping sustain and expand our coverage.
  • PARTNER: If you or your organisation might be interested in partnering with us on sponsored events or projects, email [email protected].
  • ADVERTISE: If your organisation would like to advertise or run sponsored pieces on LabourList‘s daily newsletter or website, contact our exclusive ad partners Total Politics at [email protected].