UK debates online safety inspired by child harm cases; NSPCC, a charity born 1883 (Thomas Agnew) lobbying for stronger protections for kids online.
As of March 6, 2026, Indonesia has enacted a regulation banning children under 16 from having accounts on high-risk social media platforms including YouTube, TikTok, Facebook, Instagram, Threads, X, Roblox, and Bigo Live. The ban will be implemented gradually starting March 28, with penalties for non-compliant platforms. This makes Indonesia the first Southeast Asian country to impose such restrictions, following Australia's December 2025 ban.
The SNP has vowed to deliver a brand-new, year-round childcare system from nine months to end of primary school, funded by a £500 million package if re-elected. The plan aims to extend support to every family, with free provision for the lowest-income households and a tapered rollout for others.
The UK government has been engaging social media companies to improve online safety for children. A consultation has received nearly 50,000 responses, with ongoing discussions about potential restrictions, including an Australia-style ban for under-16s. The government is considering measures to limit addictive features and AI chatbots, with decisions expected soon.
UK debate on safeguarding online spaces continues ahead of a government consultation close. Campaigners argue platforms must prove safety before children can access accounts; ministers weigh a range of options from safety standards to targeted bans, with cross-party pressure to act quickly.