Britain is reviewing new measures to strengthen online protection for children, including a possible ban on social media for younger users. The government also plans to tighten guidance on mobile phone use in schools.
Officials said they will study international evidence before taking any decision. The review includes whether a social media ban for children would work and how authorities could enforce it effectively.
Ministers plan to visit Australia, which recently became the first country to ban social media for children under 16. The UK hopes to learn from Australia’s early experience and enforcement model.
The government has not yet proposed a specific age limit. Instead, it is examining a ban for children under a certain age, alongside stronger age-verification checks. Officials are also reviewing whether the current age of consent in the digital age remains appropriate.
Britain is considering a range of measures to better protect children online, including an Australian-style ban on social media for those below a certain age and tougher guidance for use of mobile phones in schools, it said https://t.co/9ffKcuEJJj
— Reuters (@Reuters) January 20, 2026The proposals reflect growing global concern over children’s exposure to social media. Regulators worry about excessive screen time, online harm, and negative effects on mental health and development.
Officials also pointed to rising risks posed by online artificial intelligence content. Recent public concern followed reports involving Elon Musk’s Grok chatbot generating harmful material, including content involving minors.
‘It's digital ID by the back door.’
Silkie Carlo, Director of Big Brother Watch, warns that Labour’s plan to ban under-16s from social media won’t stop kids getting online, but it will mean ID checks, surveillance, and the death of anonymity. pic.twitter.com/YNHpVYANlQ
— GB News (@GBNEWS) January 18, 2026The UK government has already announced plans to ban AI nudification tools. It is also working to prevent children from creating, sharing, or viewing explicit images on digital devices.
Ministers are considering limits on social media features that encourage compulsive use. These include tools such as infinite scrolling and similar engagement-driven designs.
Britain’s Online Safety Act is already in force. The government said it has raised online age checks to 47 per cent from 30 per cent and cut visits to pornography sites by one-third.
Technology Secretary Liz Kendall said existing laws were only a starting point. She added that parents still have serious concerns and confirmed she is ready to take further action to protect children online.
