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The UK government is preparing to launch a consultation on the possibility of banning social media use for individuals under the age of 16. As part of immediate measures, Ofsted would gain authority to review phone policies during school inspections, with the expectation that schools become “phone-free by default.” This move follows Australia’s implementation of a similar ban in December 2025, marking the first such legislation globally, while other countries are reportedly contemplating similar actions.
The government’s announcement comes amid significant pressure from various quarters, including over 60 Labour MPs who have urged the prime minister to take action. In addition, Brianna Ghey’s mother has publicly advocated for the ban, expressing concerns based on her daughter’s experiences. Esther Ghey wrote, “Some argue that vulnerable children need access to social media to find their community. As the parent of an extremely vulnerable and trans child, I strongly disagree. In Brianna’s case, social media limited her ability to engage in real-world social interactions. She had real friends, but she chose to live online instead.”
The consultation will gather the views of parents, young people, and civil society on how effective a social media ban might be. It also intends to explore stricter age verification procedures that social media companies might need to adopt. These firms could be required to remove or limit features that encourage compulsive use. Alongside this, Ofsted will issue stronger guidelines aimed at reducing phone use in schools, including discouraging staff from using personal devices in front of pupils. The government plans to provide a formal response to the consultation findings in the summer.
Reactions to the government’s step have been mixed. Technology Secretary Liz Kendall emphasized that the Online Safety Act was never intended to be a final solution and acknowledged that “parents still have serious concerns.” She said, “We are determined to ensure technology enriches children’s lives, not harms them – and to give every child the childhood they deserve.” Meanwhile, Conservative leader Kemi Badenoch criticized the move as “more dither and delay” from Labour, arguing that it was a delayed attempt to replicate a Conservative proposal. Liberal Democrat education spokeswoman Munira Wilson also urged swift action, warning that the consultation “risks kicking the can down the road yet again.”
Educational unions offered cautious support. Daniel Kebede, general secretary of the National Education Union, welcomed the announcement, pointing out how social media can distract and isolate children well before critical academic exams. The Association of School and College Leaders echoed this sentiment but criticized the government for a slow response to the growing online risks. Paul Whiteman of the National Association of Head Teachers supported the consultation but felt that instructing Ofsted to enforce phone policies was “deeply unhelpful and misguided,” noting that schools need government support rather than heavy-handed inspection demands.
The government also faces added pressure from the House of Lords, where an amendment proposing a social media ban is pending a vote. This amendment has the backing of notable figures such as former children’s television presenter Baroness Benjamin and ex-education minister Lord Nash. Additionally, another amendment is under consideration that would introduce age ratings similar to those used for films to restrict children’s access to certain social media apps.
Experts remain divided over the efficacy of an outright social media ban. Professor Amy Orben from the University of Cambridge acknowledged the consensus that more needs to be done to protect children online but pointed out the lack of strong evidence supporting age-based bans. Dr. Holly Bear of Oxford University also noted that research into the impact of such bans is ongoing and suggested a multifaceted approach: reducing exposure to harmful algorithm-driven content, strengthening safeguards, promoting digital literacy, and carefully assessing any major policy changes.
Several organizations, including the NSPCC, Childnet, and the Molly Rose Foundation, have voiced opposition to a blanket ban, warning that it could generate a false sense of security. They argue that such measures might push children and online threats into less regulated corners of the internet without actually improving children’s safety and wellbeing. In their statement, these groups highlighted that while well-intended, comprehensive bans may not deliver the vital protections that young people urgently require
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