UK Government Considers Social Media Ban for Under-16s

The UK government announced plans to consult on a potential ban on social media for individuals under the age of 16. The announcement, made public earlier today, signals a significant step towards regulating young people's access to online platforms.

According to reports, the government stated that "immediate action" would empower Ofsted, the UK's education watchdog, to assess phone usage policies during school inspections. The expectation is that schools will adopt a "phone-free by default" approach.

The move follows mounting pressure from various groups, including over 60 Labour MPs who wrote to the prime minister expressing their concerns. The mother of murdered teenager Brianna Ghey has also publicly urged the government to take action on this issue.

The UK is not the first country to consider such measures. Australia implemented a similar ban in December 2025, becoming the first nation worldwide to do so. Several other countries are reportedly contemplating similar legislation.

While proponents of the ban argue that it will protect vulnerable children, some argue that vulnerable children need access to social media to find