The United Kingdom is weighing a potential ban on social media use for children under 16 as part of broader efforts to tackle concerns around screen time and online safety.
According to a report, the proposal—raised by Prime Minister Keir Starmer—is part of ongoing consultations on regulating young people’s access to platforms like Instagram and TikTok.
Starmer noted that the government is also considering measures such as app curfews, usage limits, and curbs on algorithm-driven content, which he said fuel “addictive scrolling” among young users.
“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,” Starmer said.
Officials say the goal is to better understand how social media affects children’s sleep, schooling, and family life, while responding to growing parental concerns over online behaviour.
Technology Secretary Liz Kendall added that the consultation has already attracted tens of thousands of responses, with more input still being welcomed.
“We want to hear from parents, teenagers, and families about their experiences and views on curfews, AI chatbots, and addictive features,” Kendall said.
The discussion comes as several countries tighten restrictions on youth access to social media. Australia has already enforced a ban for under-16s, while countries like Greece and Indonesia have introduced similar measures.
The UK government stressed that no final decision has been reached, noting that feedback from the consultation will guide future policies on regulating young users’ access to social media platforms.
