LONDON — Jan 20 (GeokHub) The British government is considering whether to introduce an Australia-style ban on social media for children, as concerns grow over the impact of digital platforms on young people’s mental health and development.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer said on Tuesday that children risk being drawn into “a world of endless scrolling, anxiety and comparison,” signalling the government’s willingness to take tougher action if necessary.
The move follows the launch of a national consultation examining how children interact with social media, including whether features such as infinite scrolling should be restricted and whether the minimum age for accessing platforms should be raised.
“This is a hugely complex issue, and it’s important that it is properly considered,” Starmer said, adding that the government was prepared to look at all available options.
Government Studying Global Models
Ministers said they would review evidence from around the world on whether a social media ban for children could be effective and how it might be enforced. Officials are also planning visits to Australia, which last month became the first country to prohibit social media use for children under 16.
While the UK has not set a specific age threshold, the government said it is exploring restrictions for children below a certain age, alongside stronger age-verification systems and a review of whether the current digital age of consent remains appropriate.
The proposals come as governments worldwide grapple with the risks posed by excessive screen time, online comparison culture and exposure to harmful content.
AI Content Fuels Fresh Concerns
Officials said the rapid spread of AI-generated content has intensified those worries, particularly following recent public backlash over reports that an AI chatbot produced non-consensual sexual images, including of minors.
The government has already announced plans to ban AI “nudification” tools outright and is working to prevent children from taking, viewing or sharing nude images on their devices.
It is also examining whether to remove or limit social media features that encourage addictive or compulsive use.
Online Safety Act Seen as a Starting Point
Britain’s recently enforced Online Safety Act has already increased the use of age checks online and reduced visits to adult content sites, according to government figures. However, ministers stressed that the legislation was never intended to be the final word on child online protection.
“Parents still have serious concerns,” Technology Secretary Liz Kendall said. “We know more needs to be done.”
Starmer echoed that view, saying childhood should not be defined by pressure from strangers or the pursuit of online approval.
“We will work with experts to identify the most effective measures we can take,” he said. “No option is off the table.”
The government also said it will publish evidence-based screen-time guidance for parents of children aged five to 16, with separate recommendations for under-fives due in April.
