Brijesh Desai 
UK social media ban under-16s: UK government considering banning social media for under-16s. 74% of Britons support ban. House of Lords voted 261-150 to endorse it. MPs rejected amendment in March 2026. Starmer expected to announce ban before June 18 by-election. Consultation ended May 26, next steps in summer.
The UK government is seriously considering a ban on social media for children under 16, with Prime Minister Keir Starmer expected to announce support for the ban before the June 18, 2026 Makerfield by-election. While the House of Lords voted 261-150 in favor of the ban in January 2026, MPs rejected the amendment in March 2026, and the government has been conducting a public consultation that ended May 26, 2026, with next steps expected “by the summer”.
According to a YouGov poll, 74% of Britons support banning social media for under-16s, making public sentiment overwhelmingly in favor of the ban.
Current Status: What’s Actually Happening
The ban is not yet law but is moving forward as the government works through the legislative process.
How the Ban Would Work
If implemented, the ban would follow this structure:
Requirements for Social Media Companies
Powers Given to Government
The proposed amendment would empower Science Secretary Liz Kendall to:
- “Restrict or prohibit children of certain ages from using social media platforms and chatbots”
- Limit children’s use of VPNs
- Restrict addictive features
- Modify the age of digital consent in the UK
This gives the government extensive authority over social media access for minors.
What the Consultation Covered
The government’s 3-month consultation (Feb 26 – May 26, 2026) explored:
The consultation wanted to hear “all perspectives, build consensus where possible, and act decisively”.
Why the UK Wants to Ban Social Media for Under-16s
The Problem: Digital Harm to Children
The UK government is concerned about several issues:
The Australia Precedent
The UK is following Australia’s December 2024 ban on social media for under-16s.
Australia’s approach:
- Under-16s barred from social media since Dec 10, 2024
- Required platforms to implement age verification
- Similar “highly effective” verification standard
The UK is considering similar actions to Australia, which has already implemented the ban.
Public Support: 74% of Britons Back the Ban
Public opinion is overwhelmingly in favor:
The YouGov poll shows vast majority support for the ban, which gives political cover for the government to proceed.
Prime Minister Starmer’s Stance
Starmer has been gradually moving toward supporting the ban:
The shift from “no intentions” in 2024 to expected ban announcement in June 2026 shows significant policy evolution.
Criticism and Concerns About the Ban
Opposition from Charities and Experts
Some organizations are concerned about rushing the ban:
Molly Rose Foundation Warning:
- “Rushed social media ban for under-16s in UK could ‘unravel'”
- Foundation says government should instead set strict safety standards for apps
- Concern that age restriction could “collapse” if not properly implemented
Petition Against the Ban:
- UK Parliament petition: “Do not ban social media for under 16s”
- Argument: “For many young people, social media is how they communicate with friends”
- Petition open until August 11, 2026
Key Concerns Raised
Alternatives to a Full Ban
The consultation explored less extreme measures:
The government is considering all options, not just a full ban.
Timeline: When Will We Know?
The government is eager to act swiftly on consultation findings.
What This Means for Families
If the Ban Is Implemented:
Parents will need to:
- Monitor children’s age (under-16s lose access)
- Help children find alternative communication methods
- Understand which platforms are blocked
- Support children through transition
Children under 16 will:
- Lose access to most social media platforms
- Need to use alternative communication tools
- Possibly use VPNs (if government restricts VPNs, this won’t work)
- Face social isolation without peer communication
If the Ban Is Not Implemented:
Other options could include:
- Night curfews for under-16s
- Limits on addictive features
- Age verification without full ban
- Safety standards for apps
The Bottom Line
The UK is seriously considering a ban on social media for under-16s, with 74% public support and the House of Lords voting 261-150 in favor. MPs rejected it in March 2026, but Prime Minister Starmer is expected to announce support before the June 18 by-election, with next steps expected “by summer”.
The ban would require social media companies to implement “highly effective” age verification and give the government 1 year to determine which platforms are blocked. The consultation explored alternatives like night curfews, doom-scrolling measures, and safety standards.
Australia implemented a similar ban in December 2024, and the UK is following their precedent.
Quick Summary
UK government considering social media ban for under-16s with PM Starmer expected to announce support before June 18, 2026 by-election. House of Lords voted 261-150 to endorse ban in Jan 2026, MPs rejected amendment in Mar 2026 (307 opposed, 173 supported). 74% of Britons support ban. Consultation ended May 26, 2026 after 3 months, next steps expected “by summer”. Ban would require “highly effective” age verification, 1-year implementation period, government controls VPNs and addictive features. Australia implemented similar ban Dec 2024. Alternatives include night curfews, doom-scrolling measures, safety standards. Charity Molly Rose Foundation warns rushed ban could “unravel”.