The United Kingdom is actively considering a potential ban on social media access for children under the age of 16, as part of a wider strategy to address growing concerns about online safety and excessive screen time among young people.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer has confirmed that the proposal is under review within ongoing government consultations aimed at regulating how minors interact with platforms such as TikTok and Instagram. The discussions also include possible restrictions on app usage patterns that experts say contribute to addictive behaviour.
According to Starmer, the government is examining a range of measures beyond an outright ban, including app curfews, time limits, and tighter controls on algorithm-driven content feeds. He warned that “addictive scrolling” features embedded in many social media platforms are increasingly harmful to children’s wellbeing.
“We’re consulting on whether there should be a ban for under-16s. But equally important, the addictive scrolling mechanisms are really problematic, and they need to go,” he said.
The initiative is designed to assess the broader impact of social media on children’s mental health, sleep quality, academic performance, and family relationships. It also reflects rising concern among parents about the growing influence of digital platforms on everyday life.
Technology Secretary Liz Kendall stated that the public consultation has already received tens of thousands of responses, with input still being gathered from parents, teenagers, and families across the country.
“We want to hear from parents, teenagers, and families about their experiences and views on curfews, AI chatbots, and addictive features,” she said.
The proposal comes as several countries move toward stricter controls on youth access to social media. Australia has already implemented an under-16 ban, while nations such as Greece and Indonesia are also tightening regulations.
However, UK officials emphasize that no final decision has been made. The results of the ongoing consultation will ultimately determine whether the country introduces stricter age restrictions or alternative regulatory measures for social media use among minors.
