New Delhi | Taking a major step to rein in children’s growing exposure to the digital world, the United Kingdom is preparing legislation that could bar children under 16 from accessing social media platforms. The government has launched a public consultation on the proposal, indicating that a new law could be introduced in the coming months.
The move comes after Australia implemented strict controls on minors’ social media use. Britain is now studying that model while planning amendments to existing digital laws to strengthen online protections for young users.
Certified Cyber Crime Investigator Course Launched by Centre for Police Technology
According to officials familiar with the draft framework, social media companies may soon be required to enforce robust age-verification systems. Child accounts could face mandatory content filtering, screen-time limits and enhanced parental controls. Platforms found violating the rules may be slapped with heavy financial penalties.
AI chatbots also under scrutiny
Alongside social media, the UK government is preparing to regulate AI chatbots more tightly. The Online Safety Act passed in 2023 does not fully cover one-to-one interactions between children and AI systems — a gap the government now aims to close through new provisions.
Technology minister Liz Kendall recently warned that some children are forming “direct relationships” with AI tools that were never designed for minors. Officials fear that unsupervised AI interactions could influence children’s thinking, emotions and behaviour.
The proposed changes are expected to bring conversational AI under the same safety framework as social platforms, with safeguards around inappropriate content, emotional dependency and data protection.
Why the ban is being considered
A growing body of international research links excessive social media use among children to anxiety, depression, sleep disorders, cyberbullying and attention problems. Health experts also point to rising obesity levels and social isolation associated with prolonged screen exposure.
British health agencies report a sharp increase in adolescent mental-health complaints over the past five years — a key reason the government is now seeking to hold digital platforms more accountable.
Officials say the aim is not to shut children off from technology, but to create a safer online environment that prioritises wellbeing over engagement metrics.
Europe moving in the same direction
Britain is not alone. France, Spain, Greece and Slovenia are also working on legislation to curb minors’ access to social media. Across Europe, debate is intensifying over how to balance tech innovation with child safety.
Industry analysts believe that if the UK proceeds with the ban, it could trigger ripple effects across the global tech sector, forcing major platforms to rethink age verification, algorithms and user policies.
For now, the public consultation remains open. But the government’s message is clear: children’s digital safety has become a national priority. The coming months will determine how Britain reshapes its online ecosystem — and what a safer “digital childhood” will look like in practice.
About the author — Suvedita Nath is a science student with a growing interest in cybercrime and digital safety. She writes on online activity, cyber threats, and technology-driven risks. Her work focuses on clarity, accuracy, and public awareness.
