Recently, the government has announced that social media platforms will be prevented from offering services to children younger than 16. The proposed measures are designed to protect young people, restore a healthier childhood experience and promote positive mental wellbeing during formative years. This blog provides key information and considers what the proposed ban could mean for young people and parents.  

The push to ban social media for under-16s gathered pace amid growing concerns about young people’s mental health, online safety and overall wellbeing. Issues such as cyberbullying, exposure to harmful content, and the addictive nature of many platforms prompted calls for stronger protections. Parents, child-safety campaigners, researchers, and policymakers increasingly argued that existing age restrictions and parental controls were insufficient to safeguard children online.  

The announcement follows one of the largest public consultations undertaken by the government, which received more than 116,000 submissions from parents, children, and experts nationwide. The feedback revealed strong support for stricter measures, with nine out of ten parents backing a ban on social media access for children under the age of 16. 

Interestingly, the findings also showed significant support among young people themselves, with around two-thirds saying that children under 16 should not have access to certain social media platforms. 

A social media ban for children under 16 is designed to support young people’s mental health by reducing exposure to the pressures and risks associated with constant online use. By limiting access to major platforms, the aim is to cut down on endless scrolling, reduce anxiety linked to social comparison, and help protect children from issues such as cyberbullying and doomscrolling. It also encourages more time away from screens to engage in healthier offline activities like hobbies, sports, reading and in-person friendships. 

From a mental health perspective, reducing early access to social media may help minimise the impact of addictive design features that encourage prolonged use and repeated engagement. It may also reduce exposure to unrealistic images and content that can affect self-esteem and body image, particularly during key developmental years. 

A ban could also support better sleep habits by limiting late-night screen use and reducing constant digital stimulation. In place of social media, children may be encouraged to build real-world connections, strengthen face-to-face communication skills, and engage in activities that support emotional wellbeing. 

Overall, the intention of the ban is to create a healthier balance in childhood by reducing digital pressures and giving young people more space to develop socially and emotionally offline.

The proposed ban is part of a broader effort to strengthen online safety for children, with the government setting out plans to restrict under-16s’ access to social media and introduce further safeguards across digital platforms. The government expects the first social media restrictions to come into effect in Spring 2027, subject to the necessary regulations being approved by Parliament.  

‘The government plans to use the same model for a social media ban as Australia. This would capture user-to-user platforms, whose purpose is to enable social interaction and which allow users to post material, alongside algorithms. The ban will therefore include platforms like Snapchat, TikTok, YouTube, Instagram, Facebook and X. We do not intend for messaging services like WhatsApp and Signal to be included in the social media ban.’ 

As part of its efforts to strengthen online safety for children, the government plans to introduce restrictions that extend beyond a ban on social media. The proposals would block under-16s from using potentially harmful features across social media and gaming platforms, including livestreaming and messaging strangers. Together, these measures would establish some of the toughest online protections for young people seen globally.  

‘Restrictions on these functionalities will also be on by default for 16- and 17-year-olds to prevent a cliff-edge at 16.’ 

In July 2026, the government announced further protections for older teenagers. Social media platforms will be required to apply default overnight curfews from midnight to 6am for 16- and 17-year-olds, alongside restrictions on features designed to encourage prolonged use. The government is also exploring mandatory breaks for under-18s and further safeguards around children’s use of AI services and chatbots.

Prime Minister Keir Starmer said:   

‘Parents want to keep their kids safe and happy, but the online world has made that harder than ever.  

I’ve heard first hand from families crying out for change and we will do right by them.   

That’s why we’re going further than any country in the world by banning social media for under-16s and putting wider protections in place to give kids their childhood back.  

This is a line in the sand. Tech giants had their chance and failed, but we’re stepping in to protect children, back parents and set a new normal for future generations.’

A key concern surrounding the ban is how it will be enforced. Millions of children already have social media accounts, and many are familiar with methods of overcoming digital restrictions. As seen in other countries, some young people may still be able to access platforms despite the introduction of age-based controls. 

For parents, the proposed ban is unlikely to eliminate the need for active involvement in their children’s online lives. Although age-verification systems may help limit access to social media platforms, parents will still have an important role in guiding healthy digital habits, setting appropriate boundaries and discussing the rationale behind the new restrictions.   

The changes may also present challenges for some families, particularly if children feel disconnected from friends who continue to communicate through social media. Encouraging alternative ways to socialise, such as in-person activities, clubs, sports, and hobbies, can help young people maintain meaningful connections outside the digital world. 

It is also important to recognise that the impact of a social media ban may not be the same for every young person. For some disabled children and young people, and for those from minority communities such as LGBTQ+ young people or those from particular religious, cultural or ethnic backgrounds, online communities can provide an important source of connection, identity, peer support and information that may not be readily available in their peer networks. Any implementation of a ban should therefore consider how these young people can continue to access safe, supportive communities and appropriate digital resources, while still benefiting from stronger online protections. 

While the ban may provide an additional layer of protection, its effectiveness will ultimately depend on a combined effort from technology companies, parents, schools, and young people themselves to create safer and more positive online experiences. 

While any ban would place responsibility on social media companies to restrict access for under-16s, parents and carers will continue to play a crucial role in supporting their children online. 

Open and honest conversations are key: discussing with your child about why the restrictions are in place, focusing on online safety, wellbeing, and healthy digital habits rather than punishment. Encouraging children to share their online experiences can help build trust and make it easier to address any concerns. 

Parents can also support the ban by setting clear boundaries around device use, monitoring age-appropriate apps and platforms, and making use of parental controls where available. Leading by example through healthy technology use can also reinforce positive behaviours, such as:   

• Put your phone in your pocket when you are about to meet your child, for example when picking them up from school. 

• Turn off non-essential notifications. 

• Avoid scrolling during meals, playtime, homework or if watching television together; this helps you stay present and connected to your child. 

• Explain what you’re doing when you need to use your phone; this can help your child understand why you are busy. 

• Create phone-free family times. 

One thousand children were interviewed between the ages of four and eighteen as part of a research study that asked about their parents’ use of mobile devices. Over and over again children used words such as “sad, mad, angry, and lonely” to describe how they felt when their parents were using their phones.  Changing our own phone habits in line with the new restrictions not only helps our children adapt but also can help parents stay present with their child in everyday moments that truly matter. These are the moments that help children feel connected, loved and cared for. 

The NSPCC published this helpful guide with key guidelines to help you find your way in the digital world as a parent. Covering topics such as: 

• Reviewing safety, wellbeing and privacy settings 

• Checking age ratings and platform features 

• Talking openly about social media 

• Encouraging safe and thoughtful sharing 

• Supporting positive online experiences 

You can read more about this here.

Overall, the ban represents one of the most significant online safety measures proposed to date. It aims to reshape how children engage with the digital world while encouraging a broader cultural shift in how social media is used and regulated, as well as highlighting the importance of remaining vigilant, knowledgeable, open and communitive with our children and their use of social platforms.