What's the new law for under 16s on social media?
In a nutshell:
The UK government has announced plans to ban children under 16 from using major social media platforms, including TikTok, Instagram, Snapchat, Facebook, YouTube and X, as part of a wider effort to improve online safety and protect young people’s wellbeing. The proposed legislation would require companies to implement stronger age-verification measures and prevent underage users from accessing their services, with Ofcom overseeing enforcement. Additional measures include restrictions on livestreaming and contact from strangers. Supporters argue the policy will reduce exposure to harmful content and addictive features, while critics have raised concerns about privacy, enforcement challenges and the effectiveness of age checks.
The ban extends past just social media, with restrictions on ‘romantic AI chatbots’ as well, again leaving it up to individual companies to enforce strict age limits.
How will the ban on social media work?
The UK ban on children under the age of 16 accessing social media platforms aims to promote mental wellbeing and improve safety for children and teens.
Under the proposed legislation, social media companies would be required to prevent under-16s from creating or maintaining accounts.
The list of platforms is (currently):
- TikTok
- Snapchat
- YouTube
- X
The government intends to place responsibility for enforcement on the platforms themselves rather than on parents or children.
How will adults prove their age?
At the moment, gov.uk is suggesting that adults may not need to submit anything for age verification in many instances, as they’re likely to already meet some of the following criteria:
- The amount is over 16 years old
- They have a credit card linked to the account already
- The account may be linked to an email account that is age-verified already
- They’ve already verified their age on the account
Otherwise, the verification could be a simple facial recognition check.
Is it just for under 16s?
Although the proposed ban is for under 16s, 16 and 17 year-olds will have more restrictions than current, with a potential curfew and breaks in infinite-scrolling likely. A proposal is expected to land in July for this.
Settings to restrict apps will be on automatically for 16- and 17-year-olds to prevent a cliff-edge at 16. These will have to be manually switched if teens want to use social media.
Why is social media being banned?
The announcement forms part of a broader package of measures aimed at reducing children’s exposure to harmful content, addictive online features and potential grooming risks. According to the government, the policy is designed to “give kids their childhood back” by limiting access to services that many experts and campaigners argue can negatively affect mental health and development.
The plans would require social media companies to implement robust age-verification systems to ensure users are at least 16 years old before accessing their services. The UK’s communications regulator, Ofcom, is expected to oversee compliance and enforcement.
The announcement goes beyond a simple social media ban:
- Under-16s would be blocked from livestreaming on many platforms.
- Strangers would be prevented from contacting children through social media, gaming, and similar services.
- Additional measures are being considered for under-18s, including limits on addictive features such as infinite scrolling and possible overnight curfews.
The government says the aim is to protect children from harmful content, addictive platform design, grooming risks, and mental health impacts. It cites strong support from parents and a national consultation as justification for the move.
What do supporters of the ban say?
Supporters of the policy argue that it represents a necessary response to growing concerns about the impact of social media on young people’s mental health, attention spans and exposure to harmful material. Parent groups and child-safety advocates have welcomed stronger protections, particularly in light of increasing evidence linking excessive social media use with anxiety, depression and sleep disruption among teenagers.
What do critics of the ban say?
Critics have raised concerns about privacy implications associated with age-verification systems and questioned how effective a ban may be when young users can potentially circumvent restrictions through virtual private networks (VPNs) or other technical workarounds. Technology companies are also likely to face significant implementation costs and operational challenges.
Many also call the ban an overstretch by the government, raising concern that decisions on limitations and privacy should be left to parents.
When does the ban start?
The proposed ban is not yet law. The government intends to introduce the necessary legislation to Parliament later this year, with implementation expected in Spring 2027 if approved.
Remember, this is a proposed law, which hasn’t yet been passed. Until that time, existing online safety regulations remain in force.
