Nepal UK
London - The British government has launched a consultation on banning social media for under 16s as a part of a series of measures which it says are intended to "protect young people's wellbeing."
The package will also see England's education inspectorate, Ofsted, given the power to check policies on phone use when it goes into schools, BBC News reported.
The world's first social media ban for young people took effect in Australia in December 2025, prompting other countries, including the UK, to consider following suit.
Some experts and children's charities have cautioned against the idea - but it has strong backing elsewhere.
On Sunday, more than 60 Labour MPs wrote to the prime minister saying the backed a ban with the mother of murdered teenager Brianna Ghey also calling on the government to act.
Parents and young people
Technology Secretary Liz Kendall said in a statement to the Commons on Tuesday, "I can tell the House we will bring forward a swift three-month consultation on further measures to keep children safe online."
According to The Department of Science, Innovation and Technology, the consultation, external will "seek views from parents, young people and civil society" to determine the effectiveness of a ban.
In November last year, Australia banned children under-16s from using major social media services including Tiktok, X, Facebook, Instagram, YouTube, Snapchat and Threads.
They cannot set up new accounts and existing profiles are being deactivated.
The ban is the first of its kind and is being watched closely by other countries.
