The UK government is preparing to introduce new restrictions on social media use by children under 16, marking a significant shift in its approach to online safety.
Prime Minister Keir Starmer is expected to back measures aimed at limiting young people’s access to what the government describes as harmful online platforms, while allowing access to services considered safer for children. The announcement follows months of consultation, growing political pressure, and discussions with families affected by online harms.
The proposal comes as the government weighs how best to protect children from harmful content, addictive platform features, and online exploitation. Ministers have been considering a range of options, including age-based restrictions, limits on certain platform functions, and stronger age-verification requirements.
According to reports, the government has drawn lessons from Australia’s social media restrictions for under-16s, which came into force last year. Starmer is said to have reconsidered his previous position after reviewing evidence from Australia and speaking with bereaved parents campaigning for stronger online protections.
The plans are expected to focus on platforms considered high-risk for children. Reports suggest some services designed specifically for younger users or educational purposes could remain accessible, while platforms associated with features such as infinite scrolling, algorithm-driven feeds, and constant notifications could face tighter restrictions.
Alongside the social media proposals, Starmer has also called on technology companies to introduce stronger protections aimed at preventing children from sending, receiving, or generating explicit images. The government has given technology firms a limited period to implement safeguards before considering legislation.
The move follows a national consultation that attracted more than 116,000 responses from parents, children, technology companies, and advocacy groups. Earlier legislation already committed the government to introducing some form of age-based or functionality-based restrictions for users under 16.
The final details of the restrictions have not yet been published. However, the government is expected to outline how the measures will be enforced, which platforms may be affected, and what exemptions could apply to services considered safer for younger users.