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Ministers open-minded on shape of UK social media limits, Phillipson says

restrictions” on social media for under-16s. There have been widespread calls for an Australia-style ban on children’s use of social media, and the UK

Meta found in breach of EU law for failing to keep children off platforms

social media ban for under-16s [to protect children from the “digital wild west”](https://www.theguardian.com/media/2026/feb/04/spain-under-16-social-media-ban-elon-musk-insults), while French lawmakers have voted for similar restrictions for under-15s. The UK

'I can't stop using it' - under-16s have their say on possible social media ban

media should be restricted, or even banned altogether, for under-16s in the UK. Iga, 14, has seen some videos on her social feeds where people openly talk about their suicidal thoughts and other serious

Social media executives deny platforms are inherently addictive to children

social media sites, among other potential restrictions. Rebecca Stimson, [Meta](https://www.theguardian.com/technology/meta)’s UK director of public policy, said the Australian experience had shown a ban was not enforceable or effective

Social media leaders called to Downing Street over children's safety

children by voting against a ban on social media for under-16s and against removing smartphones from schools. "Other countries are waking up to the harms, but under Keir Starmer the UK is falling behind

White House urges UK not to ban social media for under-16s

UK not to impose a social media ban for under-16s, as it said restrictions could impose a “disproportionate” burden on US tech firms. In a submission to a government consultation on online safety

‘A tsunami of harm’: views on tackling online safety for under-16s in the UK

restrictions on “addictive” features such as infinite scrolling. There is overwhelming pressure from safety campaigners and MPs for a further crackdown on social media platforms, despite the introduction of the Online Safety Act, which requires

Starmer tells Apple and Google to ban nude images on children's phones

UK is moving closer to restrictions on under-16s' social media use, with ministers consulting on measures ranging from age limits to bans on addictive platform features. Silkie Carlo, director of Big Brother Watch, said

Wales won't ban mobile phones in schools, first minister says

UK government on the impact of social media on children under the age of 16 comes to an end](https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c5y7r9gqp6jo). Ap Iorwerth said on Tuesday that it was important to "follow the evidence

Limit social media ban for under-16s to unsafe apps, Starmer urged

UK’s legal framework for social media regulation, the Online Safety Act, is overseen by the communications watchdog, Ofcom. The letter seeks to unify campaigners’ positions on an under-16 ban. MRF and NSPCC have

Tuesday briefing: Is a social media ban in the UK enough to help protect young people?

social media companies. There’s a growing consensus among online safety campaigners that, rather than implementing an Australia-style lock out, the UK government should instead block under-16s from accessing risky features such

EU needs to delay social media access for children - von der Leyen

UK**, plans are under way for strict social media regulations, also for under-16s. This entails potential bans, age verification and content restrictions. A major national consultation is due to close

Social media as bad for young people as smoking, top doctors say

restriction on social media for children under 16. "Deliver on that commitment fully and in the shortest possible timeframe." But other campaigners believe stopping social media access would fail children. Reports of children in Australia

TikTok and YouTube 'not safe enough' for kids, says Ofcom

social media for under-16s, as well as restrictions on addictive and high-risk features for under-18s, will keep children safe from harm." [Sign up for our Tech Decoded newsletter](https://www.bbc.co.uk/newsletters/zxh6cxs)

Esther Ghey's dismay over PM meeting tech bosses first

UK families and engaging with parents, children and experts to make sure we get this right." Technology Secretary Liz Kendall had met with the Bereaved Parents for Online Safety group earlier this year

UK government move to delay social media ban faces pushback in Lords

UK government move to delay social media ban faces pushback in Lords Peers will vote on Monday on a government move that could delay action on children’s access to social media

Minister promises 'some form' of social media restrictions for under-16s

restrictions" on social media for under-16s, Education Minister Olivia Bailey has said. Ministers proposed further amendments on Monday evening as they sought to end the stand-off with peers over the Children's Wellbeing

UK police bosses say unsafe social media platforms should be blocked for under-16s

social media restrictions for under-16s [even if it stopped short of a ban](https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/c5y7d2zx63jo). The NCA and NPCC identified six features of platforms they believe enable "harm at-scale" and should

Crackdown on tech platforms will go ahead despite US intervention, says No 10

social media ban for under-16s next week, alongside other restrictions such as a possible block on conversations with strangers on gaming platforms. Limits on AI chatbot use are also under consideration. Asked about

Rushed social media ban for under-16s in UK could ‘unravel’, charity warns

UK government is also consulting on other safety matters including whether there should be age restrictions on a range of app features, such as infinite scrolling, and limitations on the use of AI chatbots