Most parents are so concerned about children’s social media use that they back Australian‑style restrictions for under‑16s, according to more than 80,000 responses to a UK government consultation.
Technology Secretary Liz Kendall said a ban was “definitely on the table” after the survey found nine in 10 parents backed restrictions and were “crying out for help and support”, she told the Sunday Mirror.
This reflects a global movement to protect children, amid growing evidence linking social media use to higher rates of depression, anxiety and lower self-esteem.
What Britain has already done
Before considering a ban, it is worth understanding that the UK has already introduced some of the toughest online safety rules in the world.The Online Safety Act came into force in July 2025, and Ofcom (Office of Communications) is its regulator. The Act places legal duties on tech companies, not users. Under the Online Safety Act, platforms are required to block children from accessing harmful content such as pornography, self‑harm and eating disorder material.
