UK Government Nears Decision on Under-16 Social Media Ban Amid Health and Safety Concerns

The UK government is ending a 12-week consultation on age limits for social-media platforms, with a decision expected this summer. Draft would bar users under 16 and could restrict features such as livestreaming, location sharing, infinite scrolling and AI chatbots.

The Guardian

The Academy of Medical Royal Colleges warned that social-media and smartphone use poses a health risk comparable to smoking or neglecting seatbelt use, describing it as a unifying concern for the medical profession. Doctors report weekly cases of mental distress or physical harm linked to online content. The Royal College of Paediatrics and Child Health (RCPCH) said children are facing serious harms and dangers from social media.

The Guardian

Former health secretary Wes Streeting, who recently left the Labour government, has urged an under-16 ban, likening social media to tobacco. Bereaved parents Esther Ghey (mother of Brianna Ghey) and Ian Russell (father of Molly Russell) will meet the prime minister with opposing views. A coalition of children’s organisations—NSPCC, Girlguiding and RCPCH—argues age limits alone will not solve design-related harms.

The Guardian

A survey of 454 doctors found half treat at least one child per week for online-related distress. Among 60 paediatricians, 49 % cite self-harm, 45 % bullying and 39 % anxiety or depression as primary concerns. The Academy report noted a wave of radicalised children linked to harmful content.

The Guardian

A government spokesperson emphasized that children and young people should have a positive, safe online experience. The department said the consultation is exploring measures such as restricting social-media access and app curfews to balance protection with freedom.

The Guardian

Children’s coalition issued a joint statement: “raising the digital age of consent will not fix these deeper structural issues.” They call for a targeted ban on advertising, profiling and manipulative design, and a prohibition of personalised services—including social media, AI chatbots and gaming systems—for under-13s. Some cabinet colleagues warn a blanket ban could push children onto the dark web or leave them ill-equipped for digital use.

The Guardian

• “Streeting said: “Social media should be treated like tobacco – it’s extremely addictive, bad for our health, and big tech is borrowing the big tobacco playbook to avoid regulation.” — Wes Streeting, former UK health secretary

The Guardian

• “A government spokesperson said: “Everyone – especially children and young people – should be able to have a positive, safe experience online.” — Government spokesperson

The Guardian

• “The RCPCH said social media was causing “real harms and real dangers” to children after a survey of 60 paediatricians found widespread concern about its effects.” — RCPCH representative

The Guardian

• “ranks alongside smoking and wearing seatbelts in cars as a unifying force for the medical profession” — Academy of Medical Royal Colleges report

The Guardian

The consultation closes on Tuesday, after which bereaved parents will meet the prime minister. Ministers have pledged a response by summer, with any regulatory measures to be announced thereafter.

The Guardian