The UK government is set to introduce a social media ban for children under 16, with legislation expected to be presented to Parliament in the autumn and take effect early next year. The ban, which is modelled on a similar measure in Australia, will require technology platforms to implement age checks and will impose fines for non-compliance.
Platforms such as YouTube, Facebook, TikTok, Instagram, Snapchat, Kick, Reddit, Threads, Twitch, X, and Bluesky will be off-limits to under-16s. However, platforms like Discord, Roblox, Pinterest, YouTube Kids, and WhatsApp are expected to be exempt. The UK's approach will also specifically ban live-streaming for under-16s and prevent strangers from contacting child users on all platforms, including Discord and Roblox, and prohibit chatbots offering romantic companionship for under-18s.
Supporters of the ban cite overwhelming evidence of harm caused by social media, including higher rates of anxiety, depression, and poor self-esteem among teenagers. They argue that current systems are not effective, noting that many children aged 10-12 use apps with a minimum age of 13. However, critics, including tech firms and some campaigners, question the effectiveness and necessity of an outright ban, pointing to mixed scientific evidence on harms and concerns that children might move to riskier platforms.
Australia's ban has had limited success, with a recent eSafety Commission finding that 81% of children aged 10-15 still accessed at least one banned platform. The research, based on surveys of 800 children and parents, indicated that ineffective age-assurance measures by platforms were a major issue, with many children not being asked to confirm their age or simply claiming to be older. The Australian government has since doubled the maximum penalty for non-compliant companies to A$99 million (£52 million).