A possible ban on social media for under-16s in the UK is “on the table”, the technology secretary Peter Kyle has told the BBC.
Speaking on the Today programme, on BBC Radio 4, he said he would “do what it takes” to keep people and in particular children safe online.
He also announced further research into the impact tech such as smartphones and social media was having on young people, claiming there was currently “no firm, peer-reviewed evidence”.
Kyle has spelt out his priorities in what he called a “letter of strategic intent” to the regulator Ofcom, which is assuming extra powers under the Online Safety Act. P(OSA).
Campaign group the Molly Rose Foundation welcomed what it called an “important marker for Ofcom to be bolder” but said that should not obscure the fact that the OSA needed to be strengthened.
“Our research is clear. The public and parents back an updated Act that embeds an overarching duty of care on tech firms, and the Prime Minister must act quickly and decisively to deliver this unfinished job,” it said in a post on X.
Iona Silverman, from law firm Freeths, described a potential social media ban as “a drop in an ocean-sized problem”, saying teenagers would just find new ways to access problematic material online.
“The government needs to think bigger: this is a problem that requires a cultural shift, and also requires legislation to be one step ahead of, rather than behind, technology,” she said.
Expanding the Fight for Online Safety
The potential social media ban for under-16s and tighter smartphone restrictions signal a broader effort by the UK government to protect children from digital harm. Advocates argue that these measures are only the beginning of a much-needed cultural and legislative overhaul.
The Role of Age Verification and Platform Accountability
Peter Kyle’s emphasis on “safety baked in from the outset” has placed age verification technologies at the center of the discussion. While platforms like Instagram and Roblox have begun adapting their features to prioritize child safety, critics say these changes are reactive rather than proactive.
The Online Safety Act (OSA), set to roll out next year, aims to address this by enforcing stricter penalties for non-compliance. However, lawmakers and child advocacy groups are pressing for greater transparency and oversight to ensure that tech firms prioritize safety over profit.
Advocacy Groups Demand Comprehensive Action
Organizations like the Molly Rose Foundation and Healthcare Professionals for Safer Screens continue to advocate for broader reforms. Their research highlights alarming links between excessive screen time and mental health issues among children, underscoring the need for holistic solutions.
Dr. Rebecca Foljambe, a GP and founder of the latter group, argues that legislation must reflect the urgency of the situation. “Parents and professionals alike are calling for meaningful change,” she said. “This isn’t just about restrictions; it’s about fostering a healthier digital ecosystem for young people.”
Global Influence and the Path Forward
The UK is closely monitoring Australia’s bold move to ban social media for under-16s, a potential blueprint for similar policies. While Peter Kyle remains cautious, the possibility of following Australia’s lead cannot be ruled out.
What’s clear is that the debate extends beyond legislation. Critics and supporters alike agree that meaningful progress requires a collaborative effort involving government, tech companies, parents, and educators.
As the UK prepares to implement the OSA and debates further reforms, the conversation will likely intensify. For now, the focus remains on creating a safer, more accountable digital landscape for the nation’s youth.
TheDotNews