What's happened
The government is evaluating measures to curb social media harms for young people, with options including a blanket ban for under-16s or restrictions on features such as infinite scrolling, location sharing and autoplay. The consultation closed recently, and Prime Minister Keir Starmer has vowed to act quickly, amid pressure from bereaved families and cross-party voices.
What's behind the headline?
Key dynamics
- The government is under pressure to deliver a clear policy response after a 12-week consultation and a flood of testimonies from bereaved families.
- Support for a full ban on under-16s is growing among some MPs and campaigners, but others warn it would push youths to harder-to-regulate spaces and could foster a false sense of security.
- Observers point to Australia’s experience as a template, but UK policy-makers are stressing proportionate measures such as restricting addictive features rather than a blanket ban.
What could happen next
- The government will publish its policy plan in the coming weeks and seek to implement age-based restrictions or feature limits if moving beyond tinkering.
- Schools may adopt phone-free policies in tandem with new platform rules.
- Regulators may heighten oversight of platforms and introduce safety reforms to curb algorithmic harms.
How we got here
The debate follows a government consultation on “Growing Up In The Online World” and a series of high-profile cases linking social media harms to youth fatalities. Australia’s stricter regime has prompted calls for UK action, while MPs and campaigners push for swift, decisive intervention.
Our analysis
The Independent, The Guardian, The Mirror report that bereaved families are meeting officials and lobbying for swift actions. The Mirror notes calls from Wes Streeting and others for a ban, and The Guardian highlights criticism of government pace. The Independent covers the parallel consultations and family testimonies.
Go deeper
- Will the government implement an outright ban or feature restrictions?
- What measures will schools and regulators adopt alongside platform changes?
- How will industry respond to potential new rules and enforcement?
More on these topics
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Keir Starmer - Member of Parliament of the United Kingdom
Sir Keir Rodney Starmer KCB QC MP is a British politician and former lawyer who has served as Leader of the Labour Party and Leader of the Opposition since 2020. He has been Member of Parliament for Holborn and St Pancras since 2015.