The British government is preparing to take a harder stance on children’s access to social media, as concerns grow about the impact of unregulated platforms on young users’ wellbeing and screen habits. In a move that signals a major policy shift, officials say they are open to every possible option—including age limits and restrictions on addictive design features.
At the center of the debate is Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s clear message that the government is willing to rethink how young people interact with digital platforms. In a recent statement, he emphasized that “UK Leader Says “No Options Ruled Out” While Considering Australia-Inspired Social Media Ban for Teens”, underlining the seriousness with which the issue is now being treated.
Listening to Families and Young People
The government plans to consult widely with parents, teenagers, educators, and industry experts as part of a broader review into online safety. The aim is to better understand how constant exposure to social media—and features such as endless scrolling or streak-based rewards—may be affecting children’s mental health and development.
Starmer wrote that age limits and limits on addictive design tools are both being considered, stressing that protecting young people must come before commercial interests.
Learning from Australia’s Example
As part of the review, senior ministers will travel to Australia to study its recent decision to prevent children under 16 from joining major platforms including Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and X. The Australian approach has drawn international attention for its firm stance and could serve as a model for similar measures in the UK.
Momentum is also building within Parliament. More than 60 Labour lawmakers have formally urged the prime minister to adopt an Australia-style ban, arguing that previous governments failed to act decisively.
Growing Political Pressure
In their letter, MPs warned that unregulated social media has exposed young people to addictive and harmful environments for too long. They called on the government to demonstrate leadership by setting a minimum age of 16 for social media access, framing it as a necessary step to safeguard future generations.
What Happens Next
The government has confirmed that it will publish its response to the public consultation on online safety by the summer. Until then, discussions are expected to intensify as policymakers weigh public opinion, international examples, and the potential consequences for families, tech companies, and young users.
One thing is already clear: the UK is entering a critical moment in redefining how children engage with the digital world—and major changes may soon follow.
