What the UK's proposed under-16 social media ban could mean for young people

The government has announced plans to ban under-16s from accessing major social media platforms from spring 2027. Here's what we know so far, and what experts have to say about the potential impact on young people's wellbeing.

This new proposal follows one of the largest national conversations held on children’s online safety, with more than 116,000 responses submitted by parents, young people, and experts. According to the government, nine in 10 parents supported a social media ban for under-16s, while around two-thirds of young people agreed that children under 16 should not be allowed to use at least some social media platforms.

The announcement has been welcomed by many campaigners and parents concerned about children and young people’s wellbeing online; however, questions remain about how the ban will work in practice, which services will be affected, and whether restrictions alone can address growing concerns about young people’s mental health.

What do we know about the proposed social media ban for under-16s so far?

The government says children under the age of 16 will no longer be allowed to access major social media platforms from spring 2027, with legislation expected to pass before the end of 2026. Although a complete list of affected platforms has not yet been shared, ministers have confirmed that TikTok, Snapchat, Instagram, Facebook, YouTube, and X are expected to fall within the scope of the ban.

Some services will be exempt. Messaging apps, including WhatsApp and Signal, will continue to be available, while YouTube Kids will remain accessible. Roblox will not be banned, though certain features will be restricted.

Prime Minister Sir Keir Starmer described the move as a necessary step to protect young people, saying he was "not prepared to compromise on the safety and happiness of our children".

The government has also indicated that some adults may need to verify their age to continue using social media platforms, although many users may already meet verification requirements through existing account information.

Alongside the ban, ministers are considering additional measures, including restrictions on features such as infinite scrolling for 16 and 17-year-olds. Intimate and sexual AI chat services will also be prohibited for under-18s.

Why is the UK introducing a social media ban for under-16s?

The announcement comes after years of growing concern about children's experiences online. Campaigners, parents, charities and some experts have raised concerns about young people's exposure to harmful content, including material related to self-harm, suicide, eating disorders, violence, and pornography. Others have highlighted worries about cyberbullying, online exploitation, and platform features designed to maximise engagement.

According to the Department for Science, Innovation and Technology, the aim is to "set a new normal for future generations", helping to give every child "the best start in life".

Welcoming the announcement, Lynn Perry, Chief Executive of children's charity Barnardo's, said: "Social media can provide important opportunities for connection, support and learning, and we hope the government's investment in enrichment activities will create more of these opportunities offline. But we hear from children every day the impact that exposure to violent and harmful content has on them and their view of the world. By neglecting to introduce the necessary measures to keep children safe online, social media companies have failed children.

"It is as important as ever that social media companies take responsibility for making their platforms safe and the government and regulators robustly hold them to account."

The government says the aim is to reduce children's exposure to online harms and help create a healthier digital environment for future generations. This move reflects a broader international trend, with several countries exploring stricter rules around children's access to social media.

How could the ban work in practice?

Many details have yet to be confirmed. The government has said it plans to use Australia’s definition of social media services when deciding which platforms fall within the ban. Educational services, e-commerce websites, and music streaming platforms are expected to be excluded from the ban.

While some gaming services may be affected, children will still be able to participate in online multiplayer games. Under-16s will no longer be allowed to livestream themselves on social media platforms.

Technology Secretary Liz Kendall has said responsibility for enforcing the ban will sit with technology companies rather than parents or children. Exactly how age verification systems will operate, and how platforms will prevent underage users from creating accounts, remains unclear.

What do we know about social media and young people's mental health?

Discussions around social media often focus on mental health, but the relationship between social media use and young people's wellbeing is complex.

Research has linked some online experiences – including cyberbullying, exposure to harmful content, disrupted sleep, and higher levels of social media use – with poorer wellbeing in some young people. Additional concerns have been raised about the impact of infinite scrolling and how algorithms recommend things.

Research led by public health researchers at Imperial College London as part of the SCAMP study (Study of Cognition, Adolescents and Mobile Phones) revealed that children aged 11-12 who used social media sites for more than three hours a day were more likely to report symptoms of depression and anxiety by the time they were aged 13-15. 

According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), more than one in 10 adolescents show signs of problematic social media behaviour, struggling to control their use and experiencing negative consequences. Research has found that adolescents who experience problematic social media use tend to report lower levels of mental and social wellbeing than their peers.

However, researchers caution against viewing social media as either entirely harmful or entirely beneficial. For some young people, online spaces offer opportunities for creativity, self-expression, learning, and connection with supportive communities. This can be particularly valuable for children and teenagers who may feel isolated or struggle to find people with similar experiences in their offline lives.

Dr Sarah Hughes, Chief Executive of mental health charity Mind, responded to the Government’s announcement of banning social media platforms for under-16s:

“We recognise that the UK Government wants to act in response to the harms of social media, but a ban doesn’t solve the complete problem. Young people tell us that big parts of their lives now take place digitally, often providing the building blocks of somebody’s identity and a sense of community and belonging.  

“We also need to recognise that young people's mental health is shaped by a combination of factors, not just social media. This includes relationships, education, poverty and inequality and getting access to the right support.”

While there is growing concern about the impact of digital platforms on young people's wellbeing, researchers continue to debate whether restrictions alone are likely to improve outcomes. Many argue that, alongside any age-based limits, attention should remain focused on creating safer online environments, improving digital literacy, and helping young people develop healthy relationships with technology.

Researchers increasingly suggest that how young people use social media, the content they encounter, and the support available to them may be just as important as the amount of time they spend online.

Why are some experts concerned about the ban?

Not everyone agrees that banning social media for under-16s is the best solution. Some experts argue that there is currently limited evidence showing that age-based social media bans improve mental health outcomes. Others warn that restrictions could unintentionally push young people towards less regulated platforms or make it harder for them to access supportive online communities.

Writing in Frontiers in Developmental Psychology, researcher Dr Monika Neff Lind and colleagues described youth social media bans as an "untested intervention", arguing that existing research has not yet provided clear answers about how such policies may affect young people.

In a recent commentary, Dr Lind said: "We cannot ban our way out of a youth mental health crisis. Rather than take things away, we should make things better."

Some experts and parents argue that the focus should remain on holding technology companies accountable for creating safer products, rather than placing responsibility solely on young people and families.

How other countries are approaching social media restrictions 

The UK is not alone in considering tougher restrictions around children and teens’ access to social media. 

In 2025, Australia became the first country to introduce a nationwide social media ban for under-16s, with legislation coming into effect in December. However, some early research suggests many young people continue accessing restricted platforms despite the new rules, with as many as 61% continuing to access accounts. 

Elsewhere, Denmark has announced plans to introduce similar restrictions for under-15s, while Norway is on track to introduce limits for under-16s this year. In France, a parliamentary inquiry has recommended banning social media for under-15s and introducing a digital curfew for older teenagers. 

The UK's announcement also builds on the Online Safety Act, which came into force in 2025 and introduced new duties requiring technology companies to protect users from harmful and illegal content.

What happens next?

As details of the ban continue to emerge, many questions remain about how it will be implemented and what impact it could have on young people's lives.

While opinions differ on whether age restrictions are the right approach, there is broad agreement on one thing: children deserve to be safe, supported and able to thrive both online and offline. 

As the digital landscape continues to evolve, conversations about online safety are likely to continue. But alongside debates about regulation, many experts say the focus must remain on supporting young people's wellbeing, creating safer digital spaces, and helping children develop healthy relationships with technology, their communities and themselves.

Supporting wellbeing through uncertainty

For some young people and parents, news of the proposed ban may bring up feelings of worry, uncertainty or frustration. If you or a young person you know find yourselves feeling overwhelmed, it can help to focus on what is known right now, rather than worrying about details that have yet to be confirmed.

Taking time to talk openly about concerns, whether with family, friends, teachers or other trusted adults, can also help. For young people in particular, maintaining meaningful connections offline through hobbies, sports, community groups or spending time with friends can provide a valuable sense of belonging and support.

If anxious thoughts begin to spiral, simple grounding techniques, taking breaks from the news, and focusing on activities within your control may help you feel more settled while the conversation around the proposed changes continues.

If worries about online safety, social media, or your child's wellbeing are having a significant impact on day-to-day life, speaking with a qualified counsellor or therapist may help. You can also learn more about managing anxiety, supporting children through change, and building healthy digital habits through our wellbeing resources.