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xUK Government consults on a potential social media ban for under-16s as part of online safety crackdown
Date: 26th May 2026
Category:
Access to appropriate information, Freedom of thought, conscience and religion, Protection of privacy, Recreation, play and cultural activities
In March 2026, UK Government began consulting on a potential social media ban for under-16s across the UK. In addition to a ban, ‘Growing up in the online world: a national consultation’ sought views on other potential measures aimed at keeping children and young people safe online, such as restrictions on ‘infinite scrolling’, limitations on VPN usage, and changes to the age of digital consent. The consultation closed on 26 May 2026.
Together’s response to the consultation focused primarily on questions concerning the benefits and harms of social media and online technologies, the impacts of a blanket ban on social media for those under 16, and fostering safe and positive digital spaces for children and young people. We also briefly commented on age assurance technologies, the use of mobile phones in schools, and how parental control over a child’s online experiences should evolve as they grow and mature.
We believe that a social media ban for children and young people under 16 is neither an effective nor rights-respecting course of action. Social media and online platforms can support children’s rights in some contexts and undermine them in others; children and young people across the globe have expressed that it is the design, moderation, and governance of these technologies that determines their impact. A blanket ban does not tackle the underlying drivers of online harm, including platform design, algorithmic amplification or the prevalence of harmful content. It can also risk pushing young people towards less regulated platforms, making them less likely to seek help if they encounter harmful content while circumventing restrictions for fear they will get into trouble.
We therefore call on the UK Government to ensure that any proposed reforms fully respect, protect, and fulfil children’s rights in the digital environment. UK Government should:
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Engage with children and young people from the outset to adopt a nuanced, effective approach that achieves the right balance between autonomy and protection, and the opportunities and risks that come with the use of social media and online platforms.
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Ensure any measures taken are necessary and proportionate, and that reforms align with the rights and needs of children and young people.
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Conduct and publish a Child Rights Impact Assessment (CRIA) for any proposals to assess their compatibility with children's rights standards and international obligations, and identify any necessary mitigations.
These calls reflect the lived experiences of children and young people across the globe. In particular, they draw on the insights of young people affected by the social media ban in Australia. We would like to thank Emily, Darcey, Azuki and Mannon from Melbourne, Australia for sharing their views with us, as well as their supporting organisations, Project Rockit and the Australian Youth Affairs Coalition, for facilitating this opportunity for engagement.