UK Government Plans to Regulate Social Media for Under-16s Without Full Ban

1-Minute Brief

Concerns over online abuse and harassment of young people are prompting new UK government proposals targeting social media safety.

Key Facts

• The UK government is considering measures short of a full social media ban for under-16s, focusing on outlawing addictive features.
• A Barnardo’s poll found nearly one in five UK girls have received persistent, unwanted images online.
• The same survey reported that a quarter of girls had been called degrading names online and one in seven 13- to 15-year-olds had been asked to send a nude photo.
• The government’s consultation on social media harms, titled Growing Up In The Online World, has concluded.
• Officials have reviewed the Australian policy, which includes a complete ban for under-16s.

What Happened

The UK government has closed its consultation on social media harms and is considering new regulations for under-16s, focusing on restricting addictive features rather than implementing a full ban.

Why It Matters

The proposals come amid growing evidence of online abuse and harassment affecting young people, particularly girls, raising concerns about the impact of social media on childhood safety and wellbeing.

What's Next

The government is expected to announce its final policy decisions following the consultation. Further details on specific regulations and implementation timelines have not yet been provided.