UK Considers Under-16 Social Media Ban to Cut Screen Time: What’s Being Planned

The UK government is preparing to seek public feedback on tougher regulations for children’s use of social media and smartphones, including the possibility of introducing an Australian-style ban for children under 16, according to a report by the Source.

The move reflects growing concern among policymakers about excessive screen time, addictive digital features, and the mental health impact of social media on young people.

Public Consultation on Child Internet Use to Launch This Week

Focus on Reducing Harmful Screen Time

The consultation, set to be launched on Tuesday (local time), will outline a range of proposals aimed at curbing harmful online behaviour among children and teenagers.

Key measures under consideration include:

• Raising the digital age of consent

• Introducing smartphone curfews

• Restricting addictive features such as gaming “streaks” and endless scrolling

• Examining app and platform design elements that encourage prolonged use and dependency

According to the report, ministers are increasingly concerned that certain platform mechanics are deliberately engineered to keep children online for longer periods.

Labour Faces Pressure Ahead of House of Lords Vote

Cross-Party Support for Under-16 Ban

Prime Minister Keir Starmer is facing growing pressure from within the Labour Party to support stricter age-based controls on social media platforms such as TikTok, ahead of a crucial House of Lords vote scheduled for Wednesday.

An amendment to the Children’s Wellbeing and Schools Bill proposes a ban on social media use for under-16s. A similar policy came into force in Australia last month.

The amendment has attracted cross-party backing, with signatories including:

• Labour’s Baroness Luciana Berger

• Liberal Democrat Baroness Floella Benjamin

• Conservative Lord John Nash

UK to Study Australia’s Under-16 Social Media Ban

Ministers to Assess Impact First-Hand

As part of the consultation process, the UK government will seek input from parents as well as young people. Ministers are also planning official visits to Australia to evaluate how effective the under-16 ban has been.

In Australia, users must pass strict age-verification checks before accessing platforms considered potentially harmful, including X and TikTok.

New Screen Time Guidance for Families and Schools

Updated Advice for Parents

Alongside the consultation, the government will issue new screen time guidance for parents of children aged five to 16, addressing concerns that daily routines are increasingly dominated by smartphones and digital devices.

Phone-Free Classrooms to Be Reinforced

The government will also tighten guidance for schools, clearly stating that:

• Classrooms should be phone-free spaces

• Students should not access mobile devices during lessons, breaks or between classes

Education Secretary Bridget Phillipson said, “Mobile phones have no place in schools. No ifs, no buts.”

Australia’s Landmark Social Media Ban Explained

Global Attention on Australian Law

Australia introduced the world’s first social media ban for teenagers in December last year, drawing international attention and setting a potential precedent for other democracies.

Under the law:

• Platforms such as ByteDance-owned TikTok and Meta’s Instagram must prevent access for under-16s

• Companies that fail to comply face fines of up to $49.5 million ($33 million)

Australia became the first democracy to implement such sweeping restrictions, citing rising concerns over cyberbullying, toxic content, and the mental health impact of social media on children.

Why the UK Is Moving Toward Stricter Rules

Growing Evidence of Online Harm

The UK’s proposed measures reflect a broader global shift toward regulating tech platforms more aggressively, especially where children are concerned. Research across multiple countries has linked excessive social media use to:

• Anxiety and depression

• Reduced attention spans

• Sleep disruption

• Exposure to harmful or inappropriate content

With Australia already acting, the UK now appears poised to follow a similar path—though final decisions will depend on consultation outcomes and parliamentary approval.

Final Takeaway

The UK government’s exploration of an under-16 social media ban, along with phone curfews and app design restrictions, signals a significant policy shift in how children’s digital lives may be regulated. As consultations begin and lawmakers debate the proposals, the outcome could reshape how young people engage with technology across the country.