The Government intends to put forward its proposals to restrict social media for under-16s by the summer – with plans to legislate before the end of the year, the Technology Secretary has said.
The mother of a teenager has urged the UK government to implement stricter restrictions on young people's access to social media, citing the potential for digital platforms to adversely impact child wellbeing. Following discussions with members of Parliament, she noted that the UK could draw lessons from Australia's recent ban for those under 16 while pushing for more effective regulatory measures. Ministers have indicated that new restrictions concerning age and functionality for children under 16 are currently being prepared as part of a broader government effort to address these concerns.
Proponents of these measures argue that strengthened age limits would provide parents with greater control and help manage the risks posed by online platforms, which can significantly influence the behavior and attitudes of minors. Research by the National Education Union suggests that young people between the ages of 12 and 15 spend approximately 35 hours per week on social media. Campaigners have highlighted the risks associated with algorithmic content, noting that harmful material, including content promoting self-harm, can reach vulnerable users.
These concerns are supported by individual cases, such as that of 14-year-old Molly Russell, who was exposed to such material before her death. Social media companies have defended their current approaches, pointing to existing safety features such as friend-only contact settings, warning messages, and tools designed to detect illegal content.
However, these companies have also acknowledged that they rely heavily on users to report harmful behavior. Government officials remain committed to the upcoming legislation, emphasizing that measures to tackle online harm will be introduced regardless of the outcomes of current consultations. As the government continues to prepare these restrictions, the focus remains on whether the proposed actions will be sufficiently robust to provide lasting change for children and families across the UK.
