UK to Impose Under-16 Social Media Curbs by Year-End After 70,000 Responses
Updated
Updated · BBC.com · May 26
UK to Impose Under-16 Social Media Curbs by Year-End After 70,000 Responses
1 articles · Updated · BBC.com · May 26
Liz Kendall said the UK will set new under-16 social media rules by the end of 2026 after the consultation closes Tuesday, with a formal response due this summer.
70,000 submissions fed the review, which is weighing options including app curfews, stronger age checks, limits on autoplay and infinite scroll, and a possible ban on some platforms.
The Academy of Medical Royal Colleges told the government social media poses health risks to young people comparable to smoking and urged doctors to routinely ask patients about screen time and online use.
Campaigners are split: bereaved families and some police leaders want tougher age restrictions, while others warn bans may be ineffective and say existing online safety laws should be enforced more aggressively.
The review could extend beyond platforms covered by Australia's under-16 ban to services such as Roblox and Discord, setting up a broader clash with tech companies over how child protections are enforced.
Will a UK social media ban protect children or push them into darker corners of the internet?
Is the UK sacrificing democratic oversight for a fast-tracked social media ban on children?
The UK’s 2026 Social Media Age Limit: What Under-16s, Parents, and Platforms Need to Know
Overview
The UK is set to introduce major restrictions on social media access for children under 16 by the end of 2026, following a government commitment and parliamentary vote. This move, driven by concerns over children's safety and well-being, aims to create a safer online environment and aligns with international trends, such as similar measures in Australia. While some politicians celebrate the step, debates continue over the effectiveness and fairness of a 'ban,' with tech companies arguing the term is misleading. The success of these restrictions will depend on developing robust age verification systems and integrating them into existing laws.