In a bid to safeguard children's wellbeing in the digital age, the British government has initiated consultations on potentially banning social media access for those under 16, drawing inspiration from Australia's pioneering legislation. Announced on January 19, 2026, this move addresses growing concerns over online harms, addictive app features, and excessive screen time.
The initiative comes amid pressure from lawmakers, including a recent House of Lords amendment, and aims to foster healthier online experiences for young people.
The Push for Age Restrictions and Feature Limits
The consultation, set to run for three months, seeks input from parents, youth, experts, and stakeholders on measures to enhance child safety online. Central to the discussions is a potential ban on social media for children under 16, mirroring Australia's world-first policy that took effect in December 2025.
Australian authorities cited risks from design elements like infinite scrolling and "streaks" that encourage prolonged use, exacerbating mental health issues such as anxiety and poor sleep.
UK officials are also eyeing restrictions on these "addictive" mechanics, including endless feeds, gamified win streaks, and other attention-retention tactics. Technology Secretary Liz Kendall emphasized exploring options like raising the digital age of consent from 13 to 16, implementing phone curfews, and simplifying parental controls.
Ministers plan to visit Australia to study their implementation firsthand, signaling a collaborative approach to global child protection standards.
House of Lords Amendment Accelerates Action
The government's consultation appears timed to preempt a push from peers. On January 21, 2026, during the report stage of the Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Bill, the House of Lords voted in favor of an amendment proposed by Lord Nash (Conservative) to ban social media for under-16s.
This defeat for the government underscores bipartisan urgency, with supporters arguing it would shield youth from harmful content and cyberbullying. Sources indicate the consultations were expedited to reclaim political initiative from amendment backers.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer has described the issue as "hugely complex," warning of the dangers of endless scrolling and social comparison.
The process will be evidence-based, incorporating expert insights to balance protection with digital access.
Broader Reforms: Screen Time and School Policies
Beyond social media, the government is advancing comprehensive reforms. New guidelines on screen time for children aged 5 to 16 are in development, aiming to provide parents with clear recommendations.
Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson has taken a firm stance against smartphones in schools, announcing stricter controls to minimize distractions and promote focus. This aligns with ongoing curriculum reviews and efforts to enforce phone bans during school hours.
These measures build on the Online Safety Act 2023, which already mandates platforms to mitigate risks for minors.
The consultation will explore how to enforce age verification more robustly, potentially using advanced technologies as seen in Australia.
Lessons from Australia: Unintended Impacts on Cultural Institutions
While Australia's ban has led to the removal of over 4.7 million underage accounts, it hasn't been without ripple effects. Notably, museums and art institutions have felt the pinch.
Many relied on social media for youth engagement programs, such as interactive challenges and virtual tours, to attract younger audiences.
The restriction has forced a rethink of digital strategies, raising questions about accessibility and how to foster cultural interest without platforms like Instagram or TikTok. This unintended consequence highlights potential challenges for the UK, where similar educational and cultural outreach could be disrupted.
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Weighing the Pros and Cons: A Balanced Approach Needed
Advocates praise the proposals for protecting mental health, citing links between social media and rising youth anxiety. Critics, however, caution against hasty implementation, urging evidence from Australia's experience before proceeding. They argue that bans might drive children to unregulated spaces or limit positive aspects like community building.
As consultations unfold, the UK stands at a crossroads in regulating the digital world for its youngest citizens.
The outcome could set a precedent for Europe and beyond, balancing innovation with safety in an increasingly connected era.
