Kemi Badenoch says Tories would ban under-16s from ‘addictive’ social media

The Guardian - World NewsCenter-LeftEN 2 min read 100% complete by Rowena Mason Whitehall editorJanuary 11, 2026 at 11:46 AM

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Kemi Badenoch and the Conservatives are proposing a ban on social media access for those under 16 in the UK, citing concerns about addiction, anxiety, and distraction among teenagers. This proposal aims to protect children and give parents reassurance, mirroring similar restrictions recently implemented in Australia across platforms like Facebook, Instagram, TikTok, and X. The Conservatives would also ban smartphones in schools and require social media companies to implement age verification tools. While the current government is monitoring Australia's ban, key figures like Keir Starmer and Liz Kendall have previously expressed opposition to such measures. The NASUWT, a major teaching union, has also called for a ban, highlighting concerns about mental health and concentration.

Key Entities & Roles

Key Player Opposition Context

BBC 30% Facebook 40% Instagram 40% NASUWT 50% Liz Kendall 50% Keir Starmer 50% Wes Streeting 60% TikTok ×260% Snapchat ×260% Australia ×270% Conservative Party (Tories) ×380% Kemi Badenoch ×290%

Keywords

social media ban 100% under-16s 90% addictive platforms 80% conservative party 70% age verification 70% mental health 60% online safety 60% kemi badenoch 50% smartphones in schools 40%