The British government has launched a nationwide consultation to gather feedback from parents, children and educators on whether access to social media should be restricted for those under 16. The move reflects growing concern over the effects of digital platforms, gaming environments and AI-powered tools on young users’ mental health, sleep patterns and overall well-being.
The three-month consultation, beginning Monday, will evaluate whether stronger safeguards — including minimum age limits and restrictions on platform design — are necessary to better protect minors in an increasingly digital society.
Governments worldwide are intensifying efforts to curb the potential harm caused by excessive screen time and addictive online platforms. Social media networks and gaming apps are often designed to maximise user engagement, leading to concerns that children are spending extended hours online at the expense of sleep, academic focus and physical activity.
In December, Australia introduced a nationwide ban on social media access for under-16s, setting a global precedent. Several other countries are now exploring similar regulatory frameworks.
The United Kingdom is reviewing its own approach as pressure mounts from parents and advocacy groups for stricter digital safety laws.
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer has indicated that the government is prepared to strengthen child protection measures beyond the existing Online Safety Act, which came into force just two-and-a-half years ago.
While the Online Safety Act already places obligations on technology companies to reduce harmful content exposure, policymakers believe evolving digital trends — particularly the rapid growth of AI chatbots and immersive gaming — may require updated safeguards.
The consultation will assess a range of policy options aimed at improving children’s digital safety.
Introduction of a minimum age requirement for social media access
Restrictions or bans on addictive design features such as infinite scroll and autoplay
Overnight curfews for under-16 users
Strengthening age-verification systems
Evaluating whether minors should interact with AI chatbots without limits
The government is also planning real-world pilot programmes involving families and teenagers to test how potential restrictions might function in practice before any legislation is finalised.
Technology minister Liz Kendall emphasised the need for public input, stating:
"We know parents everywhere are grappling with how much screen time their children should have, when they should give them a phone, what they are seeing online, and the impact all of this is having,"
"This is why we're asking children and parents to take part in this landmark consultation on how young people can thrive in an age of rapid technological change."
The consultation aims to ensure that policy decisions reflect real-world parental experiences and the evolving digital habits of young users.
Beyond social media platforms, the review will examine children’s exposure to AI-driven chatbots and interactive gaming systems. With AI tools becoming increasingly sophisticated and accessible, regulators are evaluating whether existing oversight mechanisms are adequate.
The consultation will explore whether stricter controls are required to manage children’s interactions with AI systems, especially where emotional engagement or personalised responses may influence behaviour.
Separately, the UK government is preparing additional measures to require technology companies to remove non-consensual intimate images within 48 hours. Failure to comply could result in fines of up to 10% of global revenue, signalling a tougher enforcement approach against digital misconduct.
Such measures align with broader international efforts to hold tech firms accountable for online safety compliance.
The debate over banning or restricting social media for under-16s highlights a broader challenge facing governments globally: how to balance technological innovation with child protection.
Recent studies across Europe have linked excessive social media use among adolescents to increased anxiety, disrupted sleep and reduced concentration. However, digital platforms also serve as vital tools for communication, learning and social connection.
Policymakers must therefore weigh the benefits of connectivity against the risks posed by addictive design and unregulated digital exposure.
The United Kingdom’s decision to consult parents and young people marks a significant step in re-evaluating how children engage with digital platforms. By considering measures such as minimum age limits, design restrictions and AI oversight, the government is signalling its intent to modernise child protection laws in the digital era.
As countries like Australia implement firm restrictions and global concerns over youth mental health intensify, Britain’s consultation could shape future international standards for regulating children’s online access.
The outcome of this three-month review may redefine how technology companies design platforms for younger audiences — and how families navigate the challenges of raising children in a connected world.