UK to consult on social media ban for under 16s

BBC • January 19, 2026 • world

Key Points:

The UK government will consult on whether to ban social media use for under-16s and plans to give Ofsted power to check phone policies during school inspections, expecting schools to be "phone-free by default."
The consultation will gather views from parents, young people, and civil society on the effectiveness of a ban and explore stronger age verification and restrictions on features that encourage compulsive social media use.
The move follows calls from over 60 Labour MPs and the mother of murdered teenager Brianna Ghey, who argued that social media limited her daughter's real-world social interactions despite some claims it helps vulnerable children find community.
Technology Secretary Liz Kendall emphasized that current Online Safety Act laws are not the final step, aiming to ensure technology benefits children,