UK government weighs social media ban for minors, following Australia’s lead

British Prime Minister Keir Starmer’s government is examining the possibility of introducing a ban on social media for children under the age of 16, a policy modeled on a new Australian law. According to Sunday reports in UK media, discussions are taking place within the government, though a definitive policy shift is described as being “a long way off.”

Policy Under Review Amid Parental Concerns

A spokesperson for the UK government acknowledged public anxiety about the impact of online platforms on youth, stating they have taken “some of the boldest steps globally” to ensure age-appropriate content. However, Prime Minister Starmer has previously expressed personal reluctance about a blanket ban for teenagers. His office is now said to be “closely monitoring” the Australian scheme’s effectiveness.

Australian Precedent and UK’s Existing Framework

On December 10, Australia became the first nation to implement a legal ban on social media access for children under 16. This pioneering move has put the issue firmly on the international agenda. In the United Kingdom, the landmark Online Safety Act was passed in 2023, placing new legal duties on technology companies to protect users, including minors, from harmful content.

Calls for More Radical Action on Online Safety

The debate within the UK government appears active. Health Secretary Wes Streeting told The Observer that the government must think “much more radically” about online safety, citing platforms as venues for “bullying, intimidation, sometimes misogyny, even radicalization.” The final outcome will depend on assessments of the Australian model and ongoing dialogue between the Prime Minister and Technology Secretary Liz Kendall.