The consultation will involve gathering input from parents, educators, tech companies, child safety experts, and young people themselves, according to a statement released by the Department for Digital, Culture, Media & Sport. The aim is to understand the full scope of the issue and determine whether a ban is the most effective way to protect children online.

"We need to strike the right balance between protecting children and ensuring they can benefit from the opportunities the internet provides," a government spokesperson said. "This consultation will help us to understand the best way to achieve this."

The potential ban reflects a broader societal debate about the role of social media in shaping young minds. Critics argue that platforms like Instagram, TikTok, and Snapchat can contribute to anxiety, depression, body image issues, and cyberbullying. They also point to the risk of exposure to inappropriate content and online predators.

"We've seen a significant increase in mental health issues among young people, and social media is undoubtedly a contributing factor," said Dr. Sarah Hughes, a child psychologist specializing in online safety. "A ban could provide a much-needed respite for vulnerable children."

However, others argue that a ban could be counterproductive, potentially driving young people to use less regulated platforms or creating a sense of isolation. They suggest that education and parental controls are more effective solutions.

"Banning social media is not a silver bullet," said Emily Carter, a technology policy expert. "It's crucial to equip young people with the skills to navigate the online world safely and responsibly."

The consultation also raises questions about enforcement and verification. It remains unclear how a ban would be implemented and how age verification would be carried out effectively. Tech companies have faced criticism in the past for their inability to accurately identify and remove underage users.

Currently, many social media platforms have a minimum age requirement of 13, but enforcement is often lax. The government is exploring various options, including requiring platforms to implement more robust age verification systems or imposing fines for non-compliance.

The outcome of the consultation will inform the government's next steps, which could include introducing legislation to ban social media for under 16s, implementing stricter regulations for tech companies, or launching public awareness campaigns to educate young people and parents about online safety. The consultation period is expected to last for several months, with a final decision anticipated later this year.