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

age or functionality 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 government has begun a consultation

MPs vote against social media ban for under-16s a second time

age limit on social media from 13 to 16, the government consultation is also looking at addressing the addictive nature of social media platforms by restricting

Starmer tells social media firms in No 10 meeting ‘things can’t go on like this’

government is [consulting on](https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2026/jan/19/uk-ministers-launch-consultation-into-whether-to-ban-social-media-for-under-16s) setting a firm social media age limit alongside potential limitations on app features such as infinite scrolling. Starmer told executives: “Things can’t go on like this, they

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

age verification and content restrictions. A major national consultation is due to close on 26 May 2026. **France** is pushing to ban social media access for children under 15, aiming for implementation by September this

NSPCC reports sharp rise in children being blackmailed over sexual images in UK

age-ratings for each social media platform and smartphones to carry software that blocks nude images. MPs on the science, innovation and technology committee have told the government that further protections on social media

Esther Ghey's dismay over PM meeting tech bosses first

government consultation](https://www.gov.uk/government/consultations/growing-up-in-the-online-world-a-national-consultation) on social media restrictions for youngsters has received more than 45,000 responses since its launch in March. While plans to prevent children's usage have drawn support in many

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

restrict features such as livestreaming and location sharing. The government has already pledged to take some form of action [as a result of the consultation](https://www.theguardian.com/uk-news/2026/apr/28/ministers-open-minded-uk-social-media-limits-bridget-phillipson). The campaigners expect apps to be vetted

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

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: "Protecting children online is vital

‘Social media should be treated like tobacco’: Streeting calls for under-16s ban on certain platforms

age restrictions, curbing some features and time limits might be appropriate for certain chatbots. The consultation will close at the end of Tuesday, with ministers promising a response this summer. A government spokesperson said: “Everyone

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

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

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. MRF has said the government

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

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, the US government came out against

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

age or functionality 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

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

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

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

aged 12-18, who took part in the BBC News debate on social media. They gathered at the Bolton Lads & Girls Club on Wednesday afternoon to share their opinions on whether social media should

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

age of social media. At the moment, as it stands, social media represents a serious risk to under-16s,” she says. Ghey, the founder of the Brianna Ghey Legacy Project, which promotes online safety education

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

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

consultation called by the government](https://www.bbc.co.uk/news/articles/cvg3vjkx9d7o) over whether to ban social media for under-16s, following similar measures introduced in Australia. Downing Street did not confirm who would be representing each

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

consulting on options from age limits and app curfews to outright bans," a government spokesperson added. "We also remain committed to making it impossible for children in the UK to take, share or view nude

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

consultation on young people’s social media use, which only closed a few weeks ago, included the use of AI chatbots for the first time. Ofcom’s long-running research study, Children’s Media Lives