UK ministers launch consultation into whether to ban social media for under-16s

The Guardian - World NewsCenter-LeftEN 4 min read 100% complete by Kiran StaceyJanuary 19, 2026 at 11:30 PM

AI Summary

medium article 4 min

The UK government has launched a consultation to consider banning social media for under-16s, driven by concerns about the impact on young people. Technology Secretary Liz Kendall announced the move in response to growing pressure, including support from Brianna Ghey's mother, and ahead of a parliamentary vote on a proposed ban. Prime Minister Keir Starmer is open to the idea but seeks more evidence from Australia's ban. The consultation will explore age limits, enforcement methods, data access restrictions, and addictive features. The government also aims for phone-free schools, with Ofsted monitoring phone use. A Conservative peer plans to proceed with an amendment to enforce a ban, despite the consultation.

Key Entities & Roles

Key Player Opposition Context

Conservative Party (UK) 40% Australia 50% Labour Party (UK) ×250% Ofsted 50% Lord Nash ×260% Brianna Ghey 60% Esther Ghey 70% Keir Starmer ×270% Liz Kendall ×280% UK 90%

Keywords

social media ban 100% under-16s 90% online safety 70% mobile phone use 60% government consultation 60% age limit 50% children's wellbeing 50% data access 40% addictive tools 40%