Stay up to date with notifications from The IndependentNotifications can be managed in browser preferences.AllNewsSportCultureLifestyleThe UK government is expected to avoid a complete ban on social media for under-16s after a recent consultation on the issue concluded with over 81,000 responses. Instead of an outright ban, ministers are expected to focus on prohibiting addictive features for under-16s, such as infinite scrolling, autoplay, and location sharing, a move supported by tech industry insiders. This approach contrasts with Australia's policy of a full ban for under-16s, which research indicates has not prevented the majority of young people from still using social media platforms. The prime minister is anticipated to unveil plans for social media regulation in the coming weeks, amidst calls from figures like Wes Streeting for a complete ban, likening social media to tobacco. Bereaved parents, whose children's deaths were linked to social media, met with Keir Starmer, urging immediate action within weeks for a ban on under-16s' social media use and the implementation of phone-free policies in schools. In fullBritain ‘to stop short of full social media ban for under-16s’ and outlaw addictive features insteadThank you for registeringPlease refresh the page or navigate to another page on the site to be automatically logged inPlease refresh your browser to be logged in

Stay up to date with notifications from The IndependentNotifications can be managed in browser preferences.AllNewsSportCultureLifestyleA report by the Academy of Medical Royal…

The government has been looking closely at the results of the Australian policy on social media - which includes a complete ban for under-16s

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Stay up to date with notifications from The IndependentNotifications can be managed in browser preferences.AllNewsSportCultureLifestyleThe UK government is expected to avoid a…

The UK could become the latest nation to implement a social media ban, after British Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer vowed to introduce a "game changer" policy.

The UK government is considering new restrictions on children’s access to social media, including a possible ban for under-16s, as Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer pledged to take…