Conservatives Propose Social Media Ban for Under-16s in UK

The UK Conservative Party has announced a policy proposal to prohibit individuals under 16 from accessing social media platforms if the party forms the next government. This initiative is part of a broader set of measures aimed at addressing concerns related to children’s use of digital technology.

Kemi Badenoch, leader of the Conservative Party, outlined the proposal, stating that social media companies benefit from children’s anxiety and distraction, and described the platforms as being designed to encourage prolonged use. She also included a recommendation to ban smartphones in schools as part of the policy package.

The proposed ban draws on international examples, referencing Australia’s implementation of a similar restriction for under-16s in December 2025. Several other countries, such as Denmark, France, Norway, New Zealand, Canada, Greece, and Malaysia, have either announced or are considering comparable age-based restrictions for social media access.

Current UK regulations under the Online Safety Act already require social media platforms to take steps to protect users under 18 from harmful content. In addition, headteachers in the UK are supported in limiting phone usage during the school day.

What the numbers show

• Australia’s social media ban for under-16s began in December 2025
• 81% of teachers in a NASUWT survey reported increased violent or abusive pupil behaviour
• 59% of teachers linked this behaviour to social media use

The teachers’ union NASUWT has called for a statutory ban on social media access for under-16s. The union cited survey results indicating that a majority of teachers observed a rise in violent or abusive behaviour among pupils, with more than half attributing this increase to social media.

The National Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Children (NSPCC) stated that a blanket ban could be a blunt instrument, expressing concerns that such a measure might undermine young people’s rights and encourage them to seek out less regulated online environments.

Industry reaction

NASUWT supported the introduction of a statutory ban, referencing survey data on pupil behaviour and its connection to social media use.

The NSPCC stated that while addressing online safety is important, a complete ban for under-16s could have unintended consequences, such as driving young people to unregulated digital spaces.

The Conservative Party’s proposal aligns with a wider international trend of governments evaluating stricter age-based controls on social media use. The policy discussion continues as stakeholders consider the potential impacts on children, schools, and digital platforms.

* This article is based on publicly available information at the time of writing.