The UK government is contemplating a ban on social media for users under 16 years old, as part of efforts to enhance online safety for children. Technology Secretary Peter Kyle stated that this measure is “on the table” if tech companies fail to take sufficient action to protect young users.
This potential ban comes as the government prepares to implement the Online Safety Act, which will introduce new safety duties for social media platforms starting in 2025. The Act aims to protect users, particularly children, from harmful content and will include stricter enforcement of age restrictions.
Key points of the proposed measures include:
- A crackdown on under-13s accessing age-restricted content
- Possible extension of age limits to 16 years old
- Fines of up to £18 million for non-compliant platforms
- New strategic priorities for Ofcom, the online safety regulator
While the UK government considers these measures, Australia has already introduced legislation to ban children under 16 from platforms such as X, Instagram, Facebook, and TikTok.
Child safety advocates have expressed mixed reactions to the potential ban. Ian Russell, chairman of the Molly Rose Foundation, welcomed the “course correction” but emphasized the need for further reform.
Maria Neophytou from the NSPCC stated that the new priorities have “the potential to change the online world for children.”
However, some charities warn against punishing children for the failures of tech companies. Sir Peter Wanless, chief executive of the NSPCC, argued that a blanket ban would “penalise children for the failures of tech companies to make their sites properly safe for young users.”
