Why the UK Is Rethinking Social Media for Children
The United Kingdom is weighing an Australia-style social media ban for children, as global concern grows over the impact of online platforms on young people’s mental health and safety
Following Australia’s move to restrict social media access for children under 16, several countries, including Malaysia and Denmark, have announced plans to explore similar legislation. The UK has now joined the discussion, signaling a potential shift in how children’s online activity is regulated.
UK Government Consults Parents on Children’s Online Safety
The UK government says it will initiate consultations with parents, children, educators, and technology experts to gain a deeper understanding of how digital platforms impact young users—and what protections may be necessary.
British Prime Minister Keir Starmer addressed the issue on his Substack, emphasizing the government’s responsibility to protect children from emerging online harms. His comments come amid reports that AI tools, including Grok, have been misused to create disturbing and exploitative images, such as digitally generated nude photos.
“We are setting out some of the next steps we will take to help ensure we raise a generation of healthy and happy children, who thrive in later life,” Starmer wrote.
As part of the initiative, parents will receive evidence-based guidance on recommended screen time for children aged five to 16. This will build on new advice for under-fives, scheduled for release in April.
Starmer acknowledged that regulating children’s social media use is a complex issue with no one-size-fits-all solution. UK officials are expected to visit Australia to learn how its under-16 social media ban is being enforced in practice.
“This is a hugely complex issue—so it’s important it’s properly considered,” he said. “We will examine the evidence and listen to the views of parents, young people, and children’s groups.”
What Laws Are Already in Place in the UK?
The UK has already taken significant steps to improve online safety through the Online Safety Act, passed in 2023.
The legislation requires social media and digital platforms to:
- Prevent children from accessing harmful or age-inappropriate content
- Provide clear reporting tools for parents and young users
- Be transparent about content algorithms and moderation policies
While the Act does not ban social media for children outright, it strengthens protections and increases accountability for tech companies operating in the UK.
Why Parents Around the World Are Watching Closely
Australia’s decision to restrict social media use for children has sparked a global conversation about how technology shapes childhood. Many governments are now exploring measures such as stricter age verification, improved content moderation, and clearer parental controls.
Multiple studies have linked exposure to harmful online content with increased risks of anxiety, depression, and suicidal thoughts among children and teens. In some tragic cases, families have cited cyberbullying and unregulated AI tools as contributing factors in youth suicide.
Across Asia, countries are responding in different ways. Malaysia has begun implementing new safeguards, while Indonesia has urged platforms to improve age verification and content filtering. In the Philippines, Senator Ping Lacson has filed a bill inspired by Australia’s approach, though it has yet to move forward.
What Parents Can Do While Laws Catch Up
As governments debate new social media regulations for children, families are left navigating the digital world day by day.
Experts agree that parental involvement remains one of the strongest protective factors. Staying informed, setting age-appropriate boundaries, and keeping open conversations about online experiences can help children feel safer and more supported.
The digital landscape is changing quickly—and as it does, parents will continue to play a crucial role in helping children build healthy, balanced relationships with technology.
Frequently Asked Questions
The UK government is exploring measures that could restrict children’s access to social media, similar to Australia’s ban for users under 16. While no final decision has been made, officials say they are reviewing evidence and consulting parents, children, and experts about online safety.
Australia has introduced legislation that restricts children under 16 from accessing social media platforms. The law focuses on stronger age verification and places greater responsibility on platforms to prevent underage access.
Research has linked harmful online content to increased risks of anxiety, depression, cyberbullying, and suicidal thoughts among children and teens. Governments are also responding to concerns about AI-generated content, online exploitation, and the lack of effective age controls on many platforms.
The UK’s Online Safety Act, passed in 2023, requires platforms to:
Block harmful or age-inappropriate content for children
Offer clear reporting tools for parents and young users
Be more transparent about how content is moderated
These protections are already in effect, even without a full social media ban.
The government plans to publish evidence-based screen time guidance for children aged five to 16, alongside new recommendations for under-fives. These guidelines are intended to support parents rather than enforce strict limits.
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