Social media to be banned for under-16s in the UK

Just over six months ago, Australia implemented a nationwide social media ban for under-16s. All affected children and teenagers are legally barred from creating or holding accounts on TikTok, Instagram, Facebook, Snapchat, X (formerly Twitter), YouTube, Reddit, Threads, Twitch and Kick. Messaging apps (such as WhatsApp), dedicated gaming servers (such as Roblox) and educational services are generally exempt from the blanket ban. The groundbreaking law caught the attention of international lawmakers and ignited conversations on youth mental health and online safety around the world.

Now, the UK is seeking to emulate Australia in introducing a social media ban for under-16s, expected to come into force sometime from March 2027. Labelling it a "landmark government move to give kids their childhood back," the government is also considering an overnight curfew and measures to stem endless scrolling among under-18s. Banned social media services will include Snapchat, TikTok, YouTube, Instagram, Facebook and X, with a complete list of affected platforms to be published in the coming months. Either way, officials have stated that the ban will extend to services designed for social interaction that let users share content.

However, there are questions surrounding the efficacy of such a ban. Six months on, the reaction to Australia's social media ban has been mixed. Proponents argue that the measure gives young people a certain degree of protection online and encourages them to pursue screen-free activities, while critics argue that many tech-savvy teenagers are still circumventing the ban and enforcing restrictions are proving difficult in reality. One study in particular found that more than 60% of Australian children still use social media despite the ban. In this regard, The Guardian provides a comprehensive overview of the topic.