UK minister rules out social media ban for under-16s for now

Teen concerns shape the UK’s approach to social media safety.

UK reports 16% rise in cyber incidents, with critical infrastructure at risk.

The UK government is not currently considering a ban on social media for under-16s, despite growing concerns over online harms, according to Peter Kyle, the secretary of state for science and technology. Speaking after meeting with teenagers, Kyle emphasised that banning smartphones for children was ‘not on the cards’ and ‘not my preferred choice,’ though he acknowledged the importance of tackling online safety issues.

Kyle’s comments came amid rising concerns about the addictive nature of platforms like TikTok, Instagram, and Snapchat. Teenagers voiced frustrations about hacked accounts, distressing content, and difficulty accessing support but cautioned that a ban could harm their social connections and safety. Some teens even suggested they would find ways to bypass such restrictions, similar to how they’ve circumvented vaping bans.

While Kyle said he was in contact with Australian officials to learn more about their proposed social media ban for minors, he did not rule out the possibility of similar measures in the future. The government remains focused on reducing online harms, particularly risks like suicide linked to social media, which Kyle highlighted as a major concern.