UK Considers Ban on Social Media for Under-16s

The United Kingdom is considering introducing a ban on social media use for children under the age of 16 as part of broader efforts to address concerns around online safety and excessive screen time, with Prime Minister Keir Starmer confirming that the proposal is under consultation alongside other measures such as app curfews, time limits, and restrictions on algorithm-driven content that promotes “addictive scrolling,” noting that the government is particularly concerned about the impact of social media on children’s sleep patterns, academic performance, and family life, while Technology Secretary Liz Kendall stated that thousands of responses have already been received from parents and young people as part of the ongoing consultation, which aims to gather public input on how best to regulate children’s digital access, as the UK continues to monitor similar actions in countries like Australia, Greece, and Indonesia that have already implemented or proposed restrictions on underage social media use, although no final decision has been made and the consultation process will ultimately determine whether stricter age-based limits or alternative controls will be introduced.