UK Social media age ban faces youth pushback

The UK government’s plan to prohibit anyone under 16 from accessing most social-media platforms was first announced by Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer in June. The incoming Prime Minister Andy Burnham has signalled that the ban could be implemented by spring 2027 unless the policy is altered.

Birmingham Mail

More than 150 youth organisations and individual young people in Scotland have written to Burnham urging a rethink. The letter, coordinated by the Scottish Youth Parliament (SYP), is signed by the Children and Young People’s Commissioner Scotland, Children in Scotland, Together (Scotland) and Forces Children Scotland, among others. SYP chair Ellie Craig stresses that “young people know the risks that exist online and want safer online spaces just as much as anyone else, but legislation affecting millions of young people cannot be developed without properly listening to those who will live with its consequences.” “Young people know the risks that exist online and want safer online spaces just as much as anyone else, but legislation affecting millions of young people cannot be developed without properly listening to those who will live with its consequences.” — Ellie Craig, chair of the Scottish Youth Parliament She adds, “If the Government is determined to proceed with these proposals, then young people must have a seat at the table and not be an afterthought.” “If the Government is determined to proceed with these proposals, then young people must have a seat at the table and not be an afterthought.” — Ms Craig, chair of the Scottish Youth Parliament

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The letter cites concerns that a similar ban in Australia may have driven children toward less-regulated online spaces. A study by the University of Newcastle reported that more than 80 percent of Australian under-16s were still using social media three months after the legislation took effect in December 2025. The study is presented as a cautionary example for the UK.

The Independent

Youth groups argue that a blanket age restriction could push teenagers onto platforms with weaker safety safeguards, increasing exposure to harmful content. They call for a “children’s rights impact assessment” before any legislation is introduced, insisting that policy should be evidence-based and respect children’s rights.

The Independent

Burnham’s government has reappointed Lisa Nandy as Culture Secretary and removed Liz Kendall from the technology brief, signalling a reshuffle of responsibilities related to digital policy. The Department for Science, Innovation and Technology has been dissolved, with its duties redistributed across other departments, indicating a restructuring of the machinery that will oversee the ban’s rollout.

Birmingham Mail

• “Young people know the risks that exist online and want safer online spaces just as much as anyone else, but legislation affecting millions of young people cannot be developed without properly listening to those who will live with its consequences.” — Ellie Craig, chair of the Scottish Youth Parliament

The Independent

• “If the Government is determined to proceed with these proposals, then young people must have a seat at the table and not be an afterthought.” — Ms Craig, chair of the Scottish Youth Parliament

Birmingham Mail