The United Kingdom government is considering a ban on social media for children under 16, following Australia’s lead in introducing legislation to restrict access for minors ¹. Technology Secretary Peter Kyle confirmed that the measure is “on the table” during an interview on BBC Radio 4’s Today programme.
Kyle emphasized his commitment to ensuring online safety, particularly for children, stating, “I will do what it takes” to address concerns. He also announced plans to research the effects of technology on young people, citing a lack of concrete evidence on the matter .
The Online Safety Act (OSA), set to take effect next year, requires tech firms to safeguard children from harmful content and imposes significant penalties for non-compliance. Kyle stressed the need for companies to demonstrate effective age verification and integrate safety measures from the outset.
Reactions to the proposed ban have been mixed. The Molly Rose Foundation welcomed Kyle’s initiative but urged more robust legislation, stating, “Our research is clear… the public and parents back an updated Act”. Critics argue that current measures are insufficient, with the mother of murdered teenager Brianna Ghey expressing concerns that existing rules “did not go far enough”.
Major platforms like Instagram and Roblox have already implemented changes in response to the OSA, including restrictions on messaging for young users. As the UK government weighs its options, the debate surrounding online safety and social media access for minors continues.
