UK to restrict social media access for under-16s under new online safety rules
Children in the UK are set to reclaim more of their childhoods after the government announced plans to ban social media access for under-16s, in a move aimed at replacing long hours of online scrolling with increased time for play and development.
The proposed framework, modelled on Australia’s approach, will target user-to-user platforms designed for social interaction and content sharing, along with the engagement-driven algorithms that underpin them.
Platforms expected to fall under the rules include Snapchat, TikTok, YouTube, Instagram, Facebook and X, while messaging services such as WhatsApp and Signal are not expected to be included.
According to the official government website, the measures go beyond a blanket age restriction, introducing tighter controls on features deemed harmful for under-16s.
