UK Government announced that there will be a consultation on improving children’s relationships with mobile phones and social media, including the option of banning social media for children. This follows similar action in Australia and a House of Lords amendment proposing a ban for under-16s.  

Concerns focus on children and young people’s exposure to harmful or age-inappropriate content and online risks like cyberbullying, despite protections in the Online Safety Act 2023. Ofcom data shows very high smartphone and social media use among young people, including some under-5s.  

Supporters of a ban argue it would reduce harm, while critics warn it could push children into riskier, less regulated spaces and harm marginalised communities.  

In 2021, the UN Committee on the Rights of the Child adopted General Comment 25 on children’s rights in the digital environment. The UN Committee highlights the opportunities and risks associated with the digital environment, and advises countries on how to uphold their duty to uphold children’s rights in this context.  

Read the Research Proposal to ban social media for children  

Read General Comment 25